Callaway Golf CEO met with backlash over apology for Good Good video depicting abuse

Digital media group Good Good Golf, which is slated to title sponsor a PGA Tour event this fall, has drawn sharp backlash after releasing a promotional spot for a Callaway driver that featured a man tackling a woman as she reached for the club.The advertisement was removed late on Friday following an outcry over its depiction of violence against women, though video clips continued to circulate on social media platforms. Good Good Golf founder and CEO Matt Kendrick said that the full 60-second video was meant to spoof the horror movie "Obsession," released earlier this summer. In the footage, Good Good personality Garrett Clark charges at Alexis Miestowski, knocks her onto the grass, then stands over her and says, "Do not touch my new driver."Addressing the matter over the weekend, Good Good stated: "We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand."The company added, "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."Callaway CEO Chip Brewer acknowledged in a social media statement Tuesday morning that his firm had green-lighted the spot, confirming internal procedures are being reviewed to ensure "this will never happen again.""That approval should never have happened. Mistakes were made, and we are taking the matter very seriously," Brewer wrote on Tuesday. "I want to make it clear that we sincerely apologize for the video."”Not apologizing to women in this ‘apology’ is crazy,” one user immediately commented on Brewer’s post. Another comment asked, “Can u delete this and mention women somewhere in the post.”Callaway Golf, which entered a partnership with Good Good in 2023, separately stated over the weekend, "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."Good Good personality Garrett Clark (Getty)Founded as a YouTube channel in 2020, Good Good Golf has grown into a major digital presence in the sport, featuring eight men and four women taking part in skill challenges and matches, as well as producing apparel and television programming. The group achieved a major milestone this year by becoming title sponsor of the Good Good Championship, scheduled for Nov. 12-15 in Austin, Texas, as part of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Fall schedule.Responding to the controversy, the tour stated: "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."