Eastside Golf Launches First American Retail Store in Detroit Capitalizing on Cultural and Fashion Trends
Eastside Golf Opens Its First U.S. Store in Detroit
In a significant move for the lifestyle golf brand Eastside Golf, the company has opened its first U.S. storefront at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, specifically in Terminal A at Gate 34. This marks a monumental achievement for Eastside Golf as it continues to redefine the crossover of golf, culture, and fashion.
The new retail space, approximately 300 square feet, has been established in collaboration with Paradies Lagardère, a noted name in travel retail and the operator of PGA TOUR Shops. Shoppers can expect a curated selection featuring the brand's prominent apparel items, such as its distinctive Swingman sweatshirts, trendy tracksuits, high-performance polos, and stylish bucket hats, making it easy to look fashionable both on and off the golf course.
Founded by former golf teammates from Morehouse College, Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf has risen to prominence by reshaping the sport's image with dynamic storytelling, innovative partnerships, and chic designs. Their collaborations with major brands such as Jordan Brand, the NBA, and MLB have significantly contributed to broadening golf's appeal, while drawing in a diverse audience worldwide.
Olajuwon Ajanaku reflected on the brand's origins, saying, “The concept for Eastside Golf began while I was in finance in Detroit. I recall presenting a sketch of our Swingman logo to Earl, who then recommended I print it on a t-shirt. The overwhelming inquiries I received while wearing it made me realize there was a genuine interest, and thus Eastside Golf was born.”
Earl Cooper added, “Detroit and Michigan hold a special place in my heart. Being born in Flint and working as a PGA Teaching Professional at the Detroit Golf Club makes this store's opening feel momentous. It completes a circle for us.”
The launch in Detroit is part of an expansive growth strategy for Eastside Golf in 2025. Earlier this year, they partnered with retail giants like Nordstrom and Golf Galaxy, further expanding into the realms of streetwear and golf pro shop locations. The brand even opened a store in Tokyo, highlighting its international footprint.
The opportunity to set up shop in Detroit arose after Eastside Golf products became bestsellers in PGA TOUR Shops shortly after their launch in 2024. The brand's growing presence in ten PGA TOUR shop locations paved the way for this standalone store, marking a crucial step in its American journey.
Aaron Bonham, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Paradies Lagardère, expressed excitement about this collaboration, saying, “Eastside Golf blends culture, music, streetwear, and golf, creating apparel that resonates with both golfers and the broader public. Given the brand's strong sales in our stores, it was a natural progression to establish a dedicated retail space.”
Eastside Golf is on a mission to alter the perception of golf through its unique apparel. The brand has garnered admiration from golf professionals, celebrities, and influential figures, including NBA stars Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum, NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Victor Cruz, musician DJ Khaled, and even former President Barack Obama.
The brand’s emblematic Swingman logo, featuring a young Black man dressed in fashionable golf attire, encapsulates the message that individuals can proudly express their authentic selves within the golf community.
With significant ties to prominent firms like Mercedes-Benz and Nike, along with multiple collaborations with Jordan Brand, Eastside Golf stands as a beacon of innovation in golf fashion. The brand has also been highlighted in Hulu's docuseries,