A promotional video from golf equipment manufacturer Callaway and YouTube brand Good Good Golf has triggered widespread backlash after depicting violent content that many found deeply offensive. The advertisement, which has since been removed, featured Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark physically attacking female golfer Alexis Miestowski and standing over her while promoting a new driver model. The companies initially framed the spot as a horror-themed parody, but viewers and industry professionals overwhelmingly rejected this explanation, with critics questioning how the content received internal approval.
The advertisement sparked intense criticism across social media and golf communities, with observers expressing shock that multiple stakeholders approved the content before publication. Female golfers and industry professionals highlighted how the ad undermined efforts to make golf more welcoming to women, particularly given that women have driven 60 percent of golf participation growth since 2019. Concerns extended beyond poor taste to questions about depicting violence against women as entertainment, especially considering statistics showing that domestic violence remains a significant issue affecting women nationwide.
Major retailers responded swiftly to the controversy. Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and several PGA Tour Superstore locations removed Good Good merchandise, while the Golf Channel postponed a television premiere featuring the brand. Callaway CEO Chip Brewer acknowledged that the company’s approval of the video “should never have happened” and announced internal investigations and process changes. Good Good CEO Matt Kendrick similarly apologized, stating the execution “missed the mark,” though many observers felt such responses came too late after damage to the sport’s reputation.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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