Earl Cooper is the CEO and Co-Founder of Eastside Golf. He joined the company back in 2020 with his business partner and Founder, Olajuwon Ajanaku. Since then, the company has skyrocketed to one of the top in the golf apparel business, while also being a disruptor for what the stereotypical golfer represents. His goals are to show people that you can be involved in golf while also being authentic to who you are. Eastside provides the community with clothes that are not only trendy to the culture but fit within the outlines of golf. By tying in hip-hop culture, streetwear, and the game, he has been able to merge all spectrums of his life into a business that not only speaks to who he is but also to the community that he represents.

Prior to his work with Eastside, he maintained a long career working in the golf industry. He started his career with the PGA of America and then became an Assistant Golf Professional at the PGA Golf Club, Detroit Golf Club, and the Wilmington Country Club. He worked as the first African American golf professional at Detroit Golf Club and Wilmington Country Club. He also spent time working in Wilmington’s Mayor’s office where he Co-founded HBCU Week.

Earl started playing golf at a young age after being exposed to the game when his father signed him up for a Junior Golf Program at six years old. He was born in Michigan but grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. From there he played in many tournaments throughout his life until he landed a scholarship to play and attend Morehouse College. While being a part of the golf team, he helped lead them to a National Championship for D11. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science.

Amongst his growing career in golf, he became a PGA Professional and was currently ranked as one of the best young teachers in America by Golf Digest. This will be the 7th year in a row he has been awarded this recognition. He has also written three children’s books. In his spare time, he continues to teach and give back to the community.