The popular YouTube golf group Good Good Golf is facing significant backlash and professional repercussions following a controversial advertisement created in collaboration with Callaway Golf to promote the Quantum Max Driver. The ad, which depicted co-founder Garrett Clark in a scenario where he appears to shove a woman, has led to major retailers and the PGA Tour withdrawing support, while Callaway, the driver's manufacturer, has faced comparatively little consequence.
Retailers including Golf Galaxy, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, and PGA Superstore have removed Good Good products from their shelves. The Golf Channel canceled a reality show collaboration, and Good Good Golf announced the cancellation of its title sponsorship for a PGA Tour event in Austin. Callaway also ended its partnership with the group, stating, "We heard from individuals who shared personal experiences related to violence against women, and their stories were powerful reminders that this issue touches the lives of far too many people."
However, critics argue that this response constitutes "cancel culture" and highlights a double standard, particularly noting Callaway's minimal repercussions. Callaway's CEO, Matt Kendrick, pointed out that the company approved the ad before it was posted and has since announced a $1 million donation to organizations working to prevent violence against women. Critics argue this donation is an act of corporate virtue signaling.
Garrett Clark apologized in an Instagram post, explaining the ad was intended to be a skit inspired by the horror movie "Obsession," where a character becomes overly protective due to a spell. He stated that neither he nor the company supports or intended to insinuate any form of domestic violence. Despite the explanation, the ad was widely perceived as "cringe" and in poor taste, with many viewers missing the intended satirical element.
The author of the source material argues that Good Good Golf is being unfairly targeted, suggesting the ad, while poorly conceived, was not an endorsement of domestic violence. Comparisons are drawn to past advertisements featuring physical comedy, such as a Snickers commercial with Betty White and a Michelob Ultra ad, which did not result in similar backlash. The argument is made that the public shaming and professional consequences faced by Good Good Golf are disproportionate, especially when compared to Callaway's relatively unscathed position.
This situation has sparked broader discussions about cancel culture and selective application of standards, with some commentators questioning why certain past controversies involving public figures have not led to similar widespread professional repercussions.