The Golf Channel has canceled its upcoming reality television show, "Good Good x Big Break," in response to a controversial advertisement released by the golf social media brand Good Good in partnership with Callaway.
The decision marks a significant blow for Good Good, whose members were set to star in the reboot of the popular golf competition series. The Golf Channel's statement indicated that the "intended outcome of this series can no longer be fulfilled" following the controversy.
The ad, which has since been deleted, depicted Good Good member Garrett Clark shoving a female golfer to the ground before standing over her and shouting. Both Good Good and Callaway issued apologies for the clip, which was described as "tone-deaf" and inspired by a horror movie. Clark himself called the concept "super dumb" and "terrible."
Despite apologies, the fallout has been swift. Callaway has severed ties with Good Good, and the brand's name has been removed from an upcoming PGA Tour event, now titled the Austin Championship.
"Good Good x Big Break," which was intended to pit 12 aspiring golfers against each other in a series of challenges, was originally slated for release after a week's delay. However, an unnamed sponsor, reportedly Golf Magic, requested its branding be removed, leading The Golf Channel to scrap the entire season. The network stated it looks forward to "Big Break's return to Golf Channel in 2027."
"Big Break," a long-running reality series that concluded in 2015 after 23 seasons, was set to make its return in partnership with Good Good. The winner of the reboot was slated to receive an exemption into the PGA Tour's Good Good Championship. The ad's content has been widely criticized, with Clark emphasizing it was a "complete skit" and that he "never would" have physically harmed a woman.
The controversy has led to a reassessment of the PGA Tour's partnership with the popular YouTube golf group. The incident highlights the challenges brands face in managing content created by influencers and the potential repercussions of unverified or poorly conceived advertising campaigns.