Eastside Golf’s Post

Love this article Melody Lee and for many women, including me a personal reflection of my career and the notion of golf as currency of business. As one of the first classes to go through the University of Oregon Warsaw Sports Business Club (which was not a club, it was sports business program) MBA program, I connected the dots quickly that golf was a currency in business. Not sports, but business. When the executives from the NBA, NFL, NCAA, NHL, and every team under the sun would come speak to our class, the male students would go play golf with them and the professors. I had worked golf tournaments in undergrad and saw the commraderie and "club like" energy between the men who would gather to drink, spend the day and enjoy the golf. But, having grown up in a small town, and no real exposure to all of this, I didn't know how to swing a club or how to even get started. But what I did know, is that if I wanted to advance according to my ambition, I needed to learn to play golf. When I did my graduate internship, I took golf lessons for a whole summer. Learning how to swing the club, the difference between irons and woods, and how putting could be my friend. In my second year, instead of just being the Graduate Teaching Fellow, I also joined the golf outings - as the only woman. The experience of just being there and knowing what was happening put me into the a different category in the club. Over the years, I have come to love and appreciate golf, but I got there on my own. Empowering people that have traditionally been underrepresented into paths that can create real impact for their futures is the name of the game. Not just saying, but doing. Access to capital, access to people that allocate capital is a huge opportunity for women, youth and all populations of poeple that have struggled for investment. Pair that with the very real statistic in this article, that women account for more that $31.8 TRILLION in global spending and over the next 4 years are expected to control 70-80% of all consumer purchases across the household, products and services, that's a big opportunity. To develop audience, to support them, to reflect them and to demonstrate commitment via investment that isn't just drafting off the equity of a sponsorship, but rather making a demonstrable commitment in other ways that will support changing the systems and enhancing and empowering access is the win. Congratulations on your partnership with Eastside Golf. Innovation in sports, marketing and humanity. Love what you are doing Olajuwon Ajanaku Anjanaku and Earl Cooper, PGA. #pushthegamefoward #masters #PGA #LPGA #DEI #inclusivitymatters #representationmatters #closethegap #womeninsports #womeninbusiness

Ten years ago, I took on a volunteer leadership role in an all-women's mountain bike race team. We had a bold vision: to increase female participation in mountain bike races. At that time, spotting another woman on the trail was rare, and when we did, we made it a point to connect. From these chance encounters, we built something extraordinary. In just two years, our team transformed from wearing cotton t-shirts to branded race kits, sponsored bikes, and a slew of perks, including gear, lift passes, and more. We hosted and attended events all over Alberta and British Columbia, and soon found ourselves on podiums everywhere we competed, including some major ones. These experiences were some of the best days of our lives. This journey taught me invaluable lessons: - Leading a team of passionate, strong-willed individuals - Marketing and brand development - Strategic annual planning - Project Management - Budgeting and financial management - Securing sponsorships - Event planning and execution - Risk management - Engaging and inspiring youth - Branded merchandise and so much more. The most profound lesson? When an idea gains momentum, it becomes unstoppable. This experience gave me the confidence to shape my life and pursue my passions fully. My parting message - I encourage people to look for passion that makes their heart skip a beat, it might be the step in a direction you never dreamed of. #Leadership #WomenInSport #MountainBiking #TeamBuilding #PassionToPurpose #Inspiration Darlene J. Deanne Cowle, AACI, P.App., AMAA

Someone asked me what I thought the current state of golf was, here’s my thoughts. Embracing Inclusion, Technology, and the Future of the Game Golf is no longer confined to long rounds, exclusive memberships, and seasonal play. Thanks to the integration of entertainment and simulators, the sport is more accessible and versatile than ever before. Conflict can be a harbinger of innovation. The golf industry is currently experiencing significant shifts that challenge traditional norms but also pave the way for exciting new developments. Golf has historically been perceived as a sport for the elite. However, figures like Tiger Woods and Condoleezza Rice have played pivotal roles in making golf more inclusive. Their achievements have opened doors for women and minorities and broadened the sport's appeal. Today, a visit to a golf entertainment center showcases the diverse demographics now drawn to the game. Technological advancements are continuously reshaping golf. Tools like GolfBoostAI and sophisticated launch monitors make the game more accessible and enjoyable. These innovations are not limited to professionals; they empower anyone to contribute to and benefit from the evolving landscape of golf. Despite controversies such as the LIV vs. PGA debate, the introduction of initiatives like Black Girls Golf, PGA HOPE, and PGA Jr. camps highlights the sport's expanding inclusivity and community focus. These developments fuel my optimism and passion for the future of golf. As we embrace new technologies and challenge outdated barriers, the future of golf is poised to be incredibly dynamic and inclusive. What do you think is the most exciting development in golf today? How do you see technology further influencing the sport? #GolfRevolution #InclusiveGolf #SportsTechnology

How Stephen Curry is changing the future of golf. ⛳ I got invited to the Curry Cup, where the top 24 girls and boys youth student athletes on Steph Curry’s Underrated Golf Tour have advanced to the season-ending Underrated Tour Championship. And to be honest, I was both intimidated and inspired. This was my first golf tournament I’ve ever attended - even though I've worked in sports and entertainment for 12 years. I'm surprised it took me this long to finally make it out to one of these, but of course there was a basketball tie into this somehow lol. For many women, People of Color, or those from low-income backgrounds - all three categories resonating with me, especially - golf can feel like (and in most cases actually is) an inaccessible sport. 📊 And the stats shed even more light on this. Today, there are only two black men in the top 100 worldwide rankings and only one black woman in the top 300… But Stephen Curry and Underrated Golf is on a mission to change that. 🏆 They believe the game of golf is for everyone, but there’s significant work to be done to make it a just, fair and inspiring sport for all so they’re building that foundation from the bottom up. 🌟 With a commitment to provide equity, access and opportunity to student-athletes from every community, Steph Curry and Underrated Golf are working to balancing participation in the sport to truly reflect our society. What downstream impact do you think programs like this will have on changing the future of golf? Are there other organizations, programs, or resources you know of increasing accessibility to the sport? Let me know in the comments below! ⬇ Thank you Camryn M. for the invite and kudos to Stephen Curry the Underrated team + sponsors who are changing the game of golf: KPMG US, CDW, Cisco, Callaway Golf, United Airlines, Curry Brand, Under Armour, Chase, Subway, iRange Sports, PGA of America, 2K Foundation, Golf Pride, PGA TOUR, AJGA, Full Swing Simulators, GOLFTEC, Skillest, Nirvana Super Water, Dormie Workshop, and Southern Company. #LinkedInSports #SportsBiz #StudentAthletes 

On the eve of the Olympics, it seems a great time to revisit the story of Roger Banister and how one person breaking barriers can means they tumble for others too! Most people know the story of Roger Bannister, who, on May 6, 1954, became the first man through the four-minute barrier mile with a time of three minutes, fifty-nine and four-tenths of a second. Until then, many people believed that was impossible. However, once that impossible milestone was passed by one, others soon followed. Just 46 days Bannister’s race, John Landy, an Australian runner, broke the barrier again, with a time of 3 minutes 58 seconds. Then, just a year later, three runners broke the four-minute barrier in a single race. As of June 2022, the "four-minute barrier" has been broken by 1,755 athletes, a barrier that had once been considered physically impossible. The key was that when Bannister broke the mark, even his most ardent rivals saw it could be done, they did it too. What lesson can we take for business?  Well, what goes for runners goes for leaders running organisations. When an entrepreneur or an innovator changes the game, the barrier thought to be unreachable instead becomes a benchmark, something for others to aim for. We can look at what they did and aim to reach the same heights. OK everyone knows Bannister and not the 786th man to break the 4-minute mile but whoever that was reached achieved the same result, quite possibly better, the current world record is 3:43.13. That’s Roger Bannister’s true legacy and lesson for all of us. Demonstrating that the role of leadership is doing things that haven’t been done before. Then that we can observe what others achieve and by replicating their lessons get results we once believed to be impossible.

Today as the greatest golf tournament in the world begins, I am reflecting on 2003 when I had the opportunity to visit such hallowed golf grounds. As the Masters golf tournament unfolds, we witness elite players navigating one of the most challenging courses in the world, testing their skill, resilience, and mental fortitude. Behind every successful swing lies a story of struggle and perseverance, as these athletes overcome obstacles and setbacks on their journey to greatness. Much like the golfers at Augusta National, individuals in everyday life face their own trials and tribulations. Whether it's navigating career challenges, overcoming personal setbacks, or striving for personal growth, we all encounter obstacles that test our resolve and determination. Just as golfers push through the rough patches on the course, we too must harness our inner strength and resilience to navigate life's inevitable hurdles. In the end, the Masters serves as a powerful reminder that triumph often arises from adversity. As we witness the resilience of these athletes, let us draw inspiration from their journey and embrace the challenges that come our way. By facing life's struggles head-on and persevering with determination and grace, we can emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to conquer whatever lies ahead. Just as the champion slides into the prestigious green jacket, they become the canvas upon which the triumphs of the past blend with the hopes of the future, painting a picture of excellence that will forever adorn the halls of history. In the tapestry of everyday life, each of us is a unique thread, weaving our way through challenges and triumphs, creating a mosaic of experiences that shapes our journey and defines our path. Let the tournament begin!!! Chad Hunt ⭐ John Wasilisin ⭐ Timothy L. Anderson, MBA ⭐ Keith Hobbs #motivationwithmilton #howcaniserveyou #motivationalspeaker #conferencespeaker #keynotespeaker #employeeengagement #employeemotivation #motivation #MiltonHunt #MiltonHuntSpeaker #MiltonHuntTrainer #Masters2024

So many gems in this article 🙌🏽 At a time when diversity seems to be on the chopping block across corporate America and the broader zeitgeist, TopGolf has embraced diversity as a tailwind—and, what do you know, it's working!

One jump changed sports forever. In 1968 at the Olympics, there was an athlete named Dick Fosbury. Fosbury was not like the others. He didn’t use the usual high jump techniques. Instead, he had a new idea that made many people laugh. Fosbury trained in his own way. He practiced a special jump. He would go over the bar backwards, like doing a flip. Most people doubted this, but Dick believed in his method. At the Olympics, Fosbury got his chance. When he jumped, flipping headfirst and landing on his back, everyone was shocked. It was new and broke all the old rules of high jumping. Fosbury’s jump won him the gold medal🥇 and changed minds. His success made people see the value of trying new ways. Soon, coaches and athletes started learning more and trying new things. The 'Fosbury Flop,' as it was now called, began to spread. This new way encouraged everyone to think creatively and challenge the usual ways. It did more than change techniques. It made sports more about innovation, teamwork, and staying positive. 📌 Taking Dick Fosbury's Legacy Forward: 1. Be bold and question old ways. 2. Keep learning and mastering new skills. 3. Stay positive, especially in tough times. 4. Continuously seek ways to improve how you work. 5. Don’t just follow others. Use what makes you different. 6. Work closely with your team and communicate effectively. Fosbury shows us we can all do great things. Let’s lead like him, with new ideas that break old limits. With a mindset focused on new ways, anything is possible. Are you ready to discover your 'Fosbury Flop' and soar to new heights? #ChallengeTheNorms #FosburyMindset #trrsoni

Is the PGA of America Missing a Growth Opportunity? A Path Forward for a Vibrant Future As someone deeply passionate about golf's growth and evolution, I often reflect on the PGA of America's incredible legacy. Few organisations have done more to elevate the game across generations. However, even the strongest institutions risk stagnation if they don't evolve alongside the players, fans, and businesses that fuel the sport. Today, golf is booming, yet we face a crossroads. While participation surges globally, many young players and non-traditional markets remain untapped. Here's how the PGA can lead the charge: 1-Embrace Modernization in Tournament Formats: The game is changing, and audiences crave innovation. Formats like team play, mixed-gender events, or tech-driven engagements (think AR/VR integrations for viewers) could captivate younger demographics. Why not try new formats during less traditional parts of the season? 2-Expand Inclusivity Beyond Traditional Borders: Golf’s future lies in its accessibility. Initiatives to lower the cost of entry, invest in urban golf programs, and partner with schools can bring new life to the sport. Look at models like the DP World Tour's global outreach—every corner of the world has untapped potential. 3-Collaborate with Disruptors: Disruption isn't a threat—it's an opportunity. From LIV Golf to Topgolf, organisations challenging norms have created new excitement. The PGA should actively partner with disruptors, blending tradition with fresh ideas to strengthen golf’s ecosystem. 4-Enhance Professional Development for Coaches: The heart of grassroots golf lies with PGA professionals. Providing them with cutting-edge tools, tech integration strategies, and business training can create a more vibrant teaching community and grow the game's foundation. The PGA of America has every reason to lead this transformation. Its resources, influence, and network position it perfectly to be the beacon for a modern, inclusive, and global golf future.

Old world 🌎 meets new world 🌍 I bumped into Britta R. Yesterday at the Blue Earth Summit we first met in our Red Bull Days, Britta in F1 with various drivers and me at Red Bull Formula Una projects with F1 We’ve seen a move of drivers taking the difficult, often very criticised, challenges by facing systems change. Nico Rosberg has become a big voice. I first met Sebastian Vettel as a young driver many years ago and along with many drivers were Uber focused on their sports. What I want to share is that, like any major sports player, this does not mean that they do not care about their impact from the sports they are professionals in. Please allow them their voice and their huge platforms to add to the global need for systems change. I’ve watched very young athletes come through sports, they are not told, or taught, the impact they have. They are laser focused and supported in their sport. Please allow these young athletes, as they grow and understand the world the permission to learn, grow, change and adapt in what ever way they choose. It’s super cool to see Britta in this space of impact and so fabulous to spend time with you again at the summit. With initiatives like Buzzin Corner and Race with a Trace that Seb is championing, I’m looking forward to seeing the next projects and collaborations that may come. Every industry needs to transform, educate, engage and ACT #F1 #sustainablefuel #biodiversity #useyourvoice #Iregen #reclaimearth