Good Good Golf will no longer be the title sponsor of a PGA Tour event in November and has lost its partnership with Callaway following fallout from a video promoting a new Callaway driver. The video, which depicted a man shoving a woman to the ground as she reached for the club, was criticized for its content.
Initially intended as a parody inspired by the movie “Obsession,” the video was quickly deleted on August 20, the same day it was posted. However, it continued to circulate on social media, and apologies from both Good Good Golf and Callaway did not immediately quell the criticism.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated Tuesday that the tour was disappointed with Good Good’s response and described the title sponsorship as a “fluid situation.” The tour confirmed Good Good’s decision to withdraw as title sponsor of the Nov. 12-15 tournament in Austin, Texas, though the event itself will proceed. The tournament has already been relabeled as the “Austin Championship” on the PGA Tour’s website.
In a statement, the PGA Tour said, “We agree with their decision to use this time to focus on their organization and the work ahead. The PGA Tour believes in golf’s ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all.”
Good Good Golf issued its own statement, saying, “After thoughtful discussions with the PGA Tour and careful reflection, we have decided to step away as sponsor of the tour event in Austin this fall. We recognize that we have work to do as an organization, and our focus right now is on our team, our culture and ensuring we will learn from this situation.”
Sponsorship and Media Fallout
The controversy also led to other partnerships being affected. Golf Channel postponed a planned reality show, “Big Break x Good Good,” originally set to air this year. A sponsor, reportedly Galaxy Golf, requested its brand be removed from the telecast. Dick’s Sporting Goods also removed Good Good apparel from its stores.
Golf Channel announced Friday that the “Big Break x Good Good” series would be canceled for this year. The planned prize for the series winner was a sponsor exemption to the Austin tournament.
“Following recent developments involving Good Good, and including the fact that the intended outcome of the series can no longer be fulfilled, Golf Channel will not be able to complete this season of Big Break as planned,” Golf Channel said in a statement. The network indicated that Big Break would return next year.
Video Details and Apologies
The contentious video, approximately 60 seconds long, was created for Callaway’s new driver co-branded with Good Good. It featured Garrett Clark shoving Alexis Miestowski, both of whom are employees of Good Good, to the ground as she reached for the driver. Clark is heard saying, “Do not touch my new driver.”
Following the video's deletion, Good Good Golf and Callaway Golf issued apologies. Callaway Golf CEO Chip Brewer later added to the apologies, admitting that Callaway had approved the video before its posting, a step he conceded should not have happened. Brewer stated the company would conduct an investigation.
Callaway announced Thursday via social media that it had terminated its relationship with Good Good Golf, implemented “appropriate internal corrective actions,” and strengthened its approval processes. The company also committed $1 million to organizations dedicated to preventing violence against women. “These actions do not undo the harm caused or excuse our role in it,” Callaway’s statement read. “We sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt, disappointed, or offended by this incident.”
Good Good Golf, established as a YouTube channel in 2020, has become a prominent content creator in the golf space, featuring a team of golfers and engaging in various challenges. The collective also produces made-for-TV shows and sells branded apparel and merchandise.
Garrett Clark, one of Good Good's founders, addressed the video in an eight-minute video Wednesday, calling it “the worst ad known to man” and stating the reaction was “not what we stand for.” He also explicitly stated, “I do not support DV (domestic violence) or abuse or any of that of any kind.
The PGA Tour has increasingly integrated content creators into its events in recent years, including hosting exhibitions during major tournaments like The Players Championship and the Tour Championship.