Callaway Golf is conducting internal and external investigations following a controversial advertisement released in collaboration with golf content brand Good Good Golf. The ad, which depicted Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark pushing fellow content creator Alexis Miestowski and stating, “Do not touch my new driver,” drew widespread criticism and accusations that both brands were trivializing violence against women.
Callaway CEO Chip Brewer issued a statement early Saturday, acknowledging the company's responsibility. "While the video was produced by Good Good, it was approved by Callaway prior to posting. That approval should never have happened. Mistakes were made, and we are taking the matter very seriously," Brewer stated. He added that the content was inappropriate and did not reflect Callaway's values, emphasizing the company's unequivocal opposition to discrimination, domestic violence, or threatening behavior.
The video was immediately removed from social media once the seriousness of the issue was recognized, Brewer confirmed. In addition to the investigations, Callaway has already implemented changes to its approval processes to prevent similar occurrences.
A report indicated that Callaway has also removed the listing for the collaborative driver, which was promoted in the ad, from its website. The partnership between Callaway and Good Good Golf began in 2023.
Good Good Golf also released a statement, asserting that the ad depicted actions misaligned with their brand values. The company reiterated its commitment to making golf more inclusive.
Good Good Golf, known for its substantial presence on YouTube with over 2 million followers, has become a prominent name among younger golf fans. The brand also sponsors a PGA Tour event scheduled for early November in Austin, Texas.
"I assure you that we will learn from this and do better," Brewer concluded his statement, referencing Callaway's efforts to foster diversity and inclusion within the sport.