Professional is the word that comes to mind while talking with Eastside Golf founder Olajuwon Ajanaku. As Ajanaku tells it, his professionalism is all thanks to the game of golf. Ajanaku earned a golf scholarship to Morehouse College, where he won a national championship. Following college, he spent several years playing professionally. Since then, he’s turned his passion for golf into a groundbreaking new project, Eastside Golf. The brand is dedicated to making golf more diverse and inclusive and in Ajanaku’s words, “Cool.” We recently sat down with Ajanaku before he headed to Orlando for the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show for the latest edition of “That’s 5.”
What influences you?
My mom motivates me, first and foremost. On top of that, being the best at golf. There comes the point where everybody’s good and pushing toward that pro-status and all of those things. But it’s all about being the best. Even when you’re out there: who looks the best, and then who plays the best, and then, with Eastside Golf, it’s all about the kids and trying to be someone that I would’ve wanted to look up to when I was younger.
What’s the most overrated?
[Laughs] I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot. Pass.
What’s the most underrated?
The sport of golf. Honestly, it can teach people so much about themselves. It’s also another way to have camaraderie and build relationships out of a weekend. I’m talking about lifelong relationships. I’ve met and gotten to know so many people just from playing a round of golf with them. Whatever you’re looking forward to doing in life, you’ll be able to further yourself because of golf. I do believe people don’t take advantage of it, and I don’t think the youth takes advantage of the scholarships it offers.
What are you excited about, right now?
Eastside Golf and its growth. I’ve only been pre-order launch for a little bit, and I’m already on backorder for the sweatshirt. I just had to order more hats because they were on backorder. I’m excited about maybe getting into a PGA tournament and being a vendor. I’m excited about getting my brand out there even more. I’m excited about affecting the youth. I’m excited about making golf cool. This has never been done before, something that looks like Eastside Golf has never been done before. It’s an open market.
What’s next for you?
I’m going to be at the PGA Show in January, the 21st through the 23rd. I’m going to be networking and really try and get our name out there.
Bonus Question: Was that 5?
Yeah, that was five. And we out, shawty.
@eastsidegolf
