A DJ, food trucks and merchandise stands are usually reserved for big PGA Tour events. But, Eastside golfing brand and its co-founder Earl Cooper made Rock Manor Golf Course, just outside Wilmington, Delaware, into a party of its own.
Cooper is a native of Delaware’s biggest city, and was the first Black professional at Wilmington Country Club. He co-founded Eastside, a golf clothing brand that promotes diversity and accessibility into the sport.
Eastside has gone global, and this is the first time Cooper has brought his brand to Wilmington. He is an A.I. DuPont Middle School alumnus and grew up playing at Rock Manor and at Ed Oliver Golf Course in Wilmington. His professional golf career started in Delaware and has branched out.
The event on May 16 brought out people of all ages and skill levels to hit the driving range and putting greens of Rock Manor Golf Club in Brandywine Hundred, right over the Wilmington border. Balls and clubs were free at the event, and coaches gave lessons to people just getting into it. Cooper said the event was for adults to get involved with golf as much as kids.
“What we want to do is we want to empower the adult and inspire the kid,” he said at the event. “If adults are coming, the kids look up to the adults and it becomes normalized.”
Cooper said there is an awareness barrier for golf, which is typically seen as an exclusive sport. The event aimed to bring curious potential golfers out to the course, free of charge, to show them how easy it can be to get into. Cooper said knowing how to play golf has personal and professional benefits.
Rock Manor and Ed Oliver are two public golf courses in and around Wilmington’s borders.
“Everyone knows people play golf all the time, and so instead of sitting on the sideline, now you can get into the action,” he said.
While there were students around, adults could take advantage and get some practice strokes. Jamar Redmond, 30 years old of Wilmington, was working on his chipping while the fun was happening. He’s got a competition soon, but was happy to see the turnout across ages.
“I think this is what our community needs to come together for the sport influence to get kids to get into the sport,” he said.
Earl Cooper’s father, Earl Cooper Sr., was at the event and was proud of what Eastside has accomplished. He said there were some tough days for them coming up in the game, and he had to make sure Earl Jr., was being scored correctly at some competitions.
He still thinks that golf is a game for everyone and that Earl Jr. and his brand are helping to disarm a potential stigma around golf. This includes selling clothes that appeal to younger people.
“I remember when we first started many years ago, we didn’t see as many young people in the game now, and now, it’s just awesome to see their participation,” he said. “And then this event, I’m glad to see that Wilmington has welcomed Earl back.”
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at [email protected].
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