In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, Sterling Mack, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, is making waves in the golf industry with his company, Open Mondays. Founded in early 2021 and initially co-owned with his high school friend Chris Palmer, Open Mondays is dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity within the traditionally exclusive realm of golf. The apparel company is a socially conscious alternative to traditional clothing brands as it sells premium products and donate all profits to charity.
Based out of New Jersey, Open Mondays operates with a unique structure as a not-for-profit corporation, with aspirations to transition to a 501(c) status as they expand. While the company began with a partnership between Sterling, who is Black, and his white friend Chris, Sterling has now taken the helm as the sole owner, steering the company towards its mission of fostering inclusivity in golf spaces as a wholly Black-owned business.
The heart of Open Mondays beats at www.openmondaysgolf.com, where golf enthusiasts can explore a range of products aimed at breaking down barriers to entry in the sport. How does it work? “As a not-for-profit brand, every time you buy one of our products, money is donated to charity. How much money? Well, when you buy our polo shirt online for $69, approximately $35 is donated. The other $34 covers the cost of producing the shirt and operating the business (website, legal fees, shipping, etc.),” says Sterling. Since its launch, Open Mondays has made donations to Youth On Course, PGA Works Collegiate Championship, United Golfers Association, and others.
Sterling acknowledges that one of the greatest challenges for his passion project, “It’s challenging to find new customers. Open Mondays is a passion project; finding the time to connect with retailers, clubs, and shops can be difficult. Hopefully getting out name back out there and finding new partners to work with will help to achieve our goals of bringing more inclusion and diversity to golf.” However, he remains undeterred, employing strategies such as outreach initiatives and increased social media engagement to broaden their reach.
At its core, Open Mondays is more than just a business venture—it’s a movement. Inspired by golf legend Lee Elder, Sterling and Chris originally considered naming their company “Elders” as a tribute to Elder’s groundbreaking achievements. Today, Open Mondays stands as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and diverse golf community.
Looking ahead, Sterling envisions Open Mondays as more than just a purveyor of golf merchandise. He sees it as a platform for meaningful connections and experiences, where individuals can come together to share their love for the game and celebrate their unique identities. Whether it’s through organizing community events, hosting golf clinics, or curating exclusive golfing excursions, Sterling is determined to make Open Mondays a catalyst for positive change within the sport.
Over the next three years. His goals include expanding the brand’s presence in the marketplace, forging partnerships with like-minded organizations, such as First Tee, and facilitating access to prestigious golf clubs and sites for the younger generation.
As Open Mondays continues to evolve and expand its reach, Sterling remains deeply grateful for the unwavering support of its growing community. From loyal customers to dedicated partners, each individual plays a vital role in advancing the company’s mission of inclusivity and diversity in golf.
In the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, Sterling invites golf enthusiasts from all backgrounds to join him on this transformative journey. Together, they can defy convention, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a future where golf truly belongs to everyone. With Open Mondays leading the way, the future of golf has never looked brighter. For more information and to view the Open Mondays product line visit www.openmondaysgolf.com
