The inaugural Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational presented by State Farm represents a powerful step towards amplifying HBCU golf programs. Held from November 2-4 at the renowned Omni PGA Frisco (Texas) Resort, this invite-only tournament offers eight participating HBCUs a first-class experience on a world-class course.
Eastside Golf co-founders Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, both HBCU alumni from Morehouse College, have consistently supported HBCU programs. Now, with the Collegiate Invitational, Eastside seeks to highlight the immense talent within these programs and provide them with a platform typically reserved for larger collegiate tournaments. Teams will compete for the prestigious Eastside Golf Red Jacket, a new symbol of achievement in the collegiate golf community.
We reached out to a few coaches of the participating teams to learn what it means to them to take part in this inaugural event and how they feel Eastside Golf's impact resonates with the growth of the sport. Their reflections underscore the importance of this milestone event for the future of HBCU golf.
What does it mean for your team to participate in this inaugural event?
Edgar Evans, Morehouse College
“For this invitational to be hosted by two alumni of our golf program is pretty special, and it's an honor to participate. We're really excited to show up and show out to further what they did while they were on the golf team here.”
Do you think Eastside Golf's growth has paralleled the growth of golf to different communities and broader audiences?
Edgar Evans, Morehouse College
“It's because of their drive, their determination and their love for the game that they're now able to give other people opportunities they never had when they were playing. It's a truly beautiful thing to see the expansion of what they're doing and what they're doing for golf as a whole.”
Competing Teams
Men's Division
Florida A&M University
Morehouse College
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
Southern University
Women's Division
Alabama State
Delaware State
Howard University
Prairie View A&M University