Controversial ad removed
Good Good Golf, the YouTube content creator group with more than 2 million subscribers, has removed a promotional video for a Callaway driver that showed co-founder Garrett Clark shoving fellow creator Alexis Miestowski to the ground. The 15-second clip, part of a collaboration between Good Good and Callaway Golf, was deleted from official channels late Friday after criticism that it portrayed violence against women, though clips continued to circulate on social media.
The video showed Miestowski reaching for a driver in a golf bag, at which point Clark sprints toward her, shoves her to the ground, and stands over her, saying, "Do not touch my new driver." The characters in the ad are both closely associated with Good Good: Clark is a co-founder, and Miestowski is a professional golfer and frequent contributor to the brand's videos.
The content drew backlash online, with critics calling it distasteful, violent, and tone-deaf, especially given the growing popularity of women's golf. A caption under the clip, "You have been warned…," added to the criticism.
Apologies and statements
Good Good issued an apology Saturday in a statement on social media. The statement read: "We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand. We have since taken that content down, and sincerely apologize. Good Good has always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all, and we will continue to ensure that is our mission moving forward."
A few hours later, a Callaway spokesperson shared a statement with GOLF.com: "We are disappointed by the content that was posted, and are appreciative of Good Good for addressing this. We look forward to working together to ensure a more inclusive space in golf." Callaway has partnered with Good Good since 2023.
However, the initial responses drew further scrutiny. Fox News noted the apparent contradiction in Good Good's apology, given that someone on the brand's team had to approve the ad before it was posted. Essentially Sports reported that PGA Tour CEO Rolapp said at a press conference ahead of the Tour Championship that Good Good's first response was "disappointing," "a bit defensive and late," though he added that "their responses are getting better."
The PGA Tour, in a statement to Golf Digest, condemned the video: "The PGA Tour believes in golf's ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all. We do not condone violence in any form, and the since-deleted video does not reflect our values or commitment to inclusivity and respect."
Callaway CEO accepts responsibility
Callaway CEO Chip Brewer issued a second, more direct apology Tuesday, accepting responsibility and adding that the video was approved by Callaway prior to posting. In an Instagram post, Brewer said: "That approval should never have happened. Mistakes were made, and we are taking the matter very seriously."
Brewer said the video does not reflect Callaway's values and that the company is "unequivocally against discrimination, domestic violence, or threatening behavior of any kind." He also stated that Callaway has launched internal and external investigations and has made changes to its approval process.
Essentially sports contrasted this with the earlier Callaway statement that focused on Good Good's response, and noted that Brewer's comment followed the initial round of backlash. In a separate report, GIVEMESPORT also reported Brewer's acknowledgment that the commercial was at that brand's to approve, and that the content was "completely opposite" of the manufacturer's values.
Reaction and broader context
Criticism of the video extended beyond viewers. Nicole Rae, social director at Skratch, said, "They so don't get the point." Claire Rogers, another Skratch personality, said, "Shoving someone to the ground and then berating them while they're on the ground in a piece of content mimics domestic violence." Jamie Klingler, co-founder of the women's rights group Reclaim These Streets, said, "The PGA should cut ties with Good Good."
Katie Ginella, a former Real Housewives cast member who joined the online conversation, shared her own experience with domestic violence and expressed shock at the ad. Jasmine Sanders, who goes by the handle The Jazzy Golfer, questioned how the ad got approved. These single reports have not been the only critical voices online.
The controversy has also cast a shadow over the partnership between Good Good and the PGA Tour. Good Good is the title sponsor of the inaugural, the PGA Tour event being held November 12-15 in Austin, Texas. The event is part of the FedExCup Fall schedule and will be played at Omni Barton Creek's Fazio's Canyons course.
Despite the outcry, the Good Good Championship appears likely to proceed. Comments from PGA Tour leadership suggest the event is not in imminent danger, though they will be monitoring the brand's response.
Although the video has been removed, clips of it and the reactions have continued to be shared on social media.