On May 9, 2024, Eastside Golf released its much-anticipated 20-piece women’s collection, which is designed to cater to female golfers at every stage, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The collection includes versatile pieces like piqué polos, dresses, skorts, and a standout two-piece tracksuit. These items are crafted with functionality in mind, featuring hidden pockets for golf essentials like tees, balls, or even sunglasses and keys. But Eastside Golf goes beyond the course—many of the pieces are equally at home off the green, bridging the gap between performance wear and streetwear.

One of the most notable aspects of this collection is its attention to detail for women of all hair types. Hats lined with satin to protect natural hairstyles are a testament to Eastside’s commitment to inclusivity, recognising the often-overlooked needs of Black women in golf apparel.

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Not Just "Shrink It and Pink It"

For years, women’s sports apparel has suffered from what many in the industry call the “shrink it and pink it” approach, where brands take men’s designs, make them smaller, and add stereotypical feminine colours. But Ajanaku and Cooper made it clear that this wasn’t their approach. “We wanted to create something authentic and considered,” Ajanaku, co-founder and creative director, explains. To that end, they brought in designers with expertise in women’s wear to ensure that the collection blends fashion and function.

This focus on creating something truly unique was born from feedback they received from women golfers. During a panel with 50 women executives held at the 2024 Masters in Augusta, the Eastside team learned that many women wanted relaxed pieces like tracksuits for better mobility on the course, and hats that wouldn’t damage their hair. The result? A collection designed with practicality in mind, but never sacrificing style.

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Meeting a Growing Demand

The decision to expand into women’s wear wasn’t made overnight. “We’ve had women purchasing Eastside Golf items for themselves since the beginning,” says Ajanaku. Women would buy men’s pieces—hats, sweaters, even polos—looking for a stylish alternative to the often drab and uninspired golf apparel available to them. This demand, combined with the surge in female golf participation, made the decision clear: women deserve better options. According to Cooper, co-founder and CEO, “Women make up a sizable and increasing portion of the golf-playing community, yet they haven’t been served by apparel brands in the way they deserve.”

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Golf has traditionally been seen as an exclusive sport, not only because of its expensive entry point but also due to its deep-seated traditions and history of excluding marginalized groups, including women and people of colour. But as the sport grows, so does its demand for diverse and inclusive apparel. Eastside Golf's new collection speaks directly to that growing female demographic, offering clothing that’s functional, fashionable, and rooted in a sense of cultural identity.

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A Brand for On and Off the Course

Eastside Golf’s new women’s collection continues to embody what the brand has done so well for men: designing pieces that can transition from the golf course to everyday life. Whether it’s a jumpsuit that feels at home in a casual setting or a polo that works just as well at a brunch as it does in a golf tournament, the versatility of Eastside’s products is a core part of their identity.

“Our clothes are designed to feel good both on and off the course,” says Cooper. "We’re not just making golf apparel; we’re making a brand for women who want to feel confident and authentic, whether they’re swinging a club or meeting with friends after a game."

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Looking Forward: Empowering Women in Golf

Ajanaku and Cooper have big dreams for Eastside Golf's future. They’ve made significant investments into the women's line, and although it’s only available through direct-to-consumer sales on their website for now, they’re optimistic about the potential. “We believe this could eventually be as large as our men’s line, but it’ll take time,” Cooper says. The brand also has its sights set on even more inclusive ventures, including creating uniforms for women’s collegiate golf teams and possibly endowing women’s programmes in the future.

Beyond just clothing, Eastside Golf recognises the deeper implications of women’s inclusion in the sport. “Golf brings people closer together,” Ajanaku says. “It can be a great networking tool, especially for women in male-dominated industries.” By creating stylish, functional clothing, Eastside Golf is helping to open doors—on and off the course—for women who want to be seen, heard, and valued.

As more women take up the sport and break into spaces that were once closed off to them, brands like Eastside Golf are playing a crucial role in creating a more inclusive future for golf. And with their new women’s collection, Eastside is ensuring that women not only have a place on the course but that they look and feel great while they’re there.