Golf Channel has postponed the premiere of its reality show "Big Break x Good Good" by one week, shifting the debut to Sept. 1. The decision came after a sponsor requested to remove its branding from the series due to controversy surrounding a promotional video created by the golf content group Good Good Golf.
Multiple reports identified the withdrawing sponsor as retailer Golf Galaxy, which had been listed as a presenting sponsor for the show. Golf Channel stated the postponement would "allow for necessary production updates."
The controversy stems from a 60-second video, intended as an ad for a Callaway driver, that showed a man shoving a woman to the ground as she reached for the club. The video, which featured individuals associated with Good Good Golf, was posted online late Friday and was deleted by Saturday after it drew significant negative reaction for its portrayal of violence against women.
Good Good Golf issued an apology Saturday, stating that the "depicted actions are not aligned with our values." Callaway acknowledged disappointment in the video and expressed appreciation for Good Good's response.
The PGA Tour, which has Good Good Golf as the title sponsor for a new event in Austin, Texas, this fall, also voiced its disappointment. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp commented Tuesday that the group's initial response was "disappointing" and "a little bit defensive and late." He added that while the responses are improving, the tour is "continuing to monitor and work with them going forward" and described the situation regarding the title sponsorship as "fluid."
Callaway CEO Chip Brewer also apologized, admitting that while Good Good produced the video, Callaway had approved it before its release. "The approval never should have happened. Mistakes were made, and we are taking the matter very seriously," Brewer stated, adding, "we sincerely apologize for the video."