Good Good Golf Faces Backlash Over Ad Depicting Violence Against Woman

Golf digital content group Good Good Golf deleted a promotional video on Friday and issued an apology after facing widespread online criticism for depicting co-founder Garrett Clark shoving team member Alexis Miestowski to the ground in a Callaway driver commercial.

The deleted social media advertisement showed Miestowski, a professional golfer and regular creator for the brand, reaching into a bag for a new Callaway Quantum driver before Clark charged at her, knocked her down with his forearm, stood over her, and shouted, "Do not touch my new driver."

Following the public outcry, the company released an official statement on Saturday taking accountability for the footage while addressing its corporate values and ongoing brand mission.

"We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand," Good Good Golf said in a statement. "We have since taken that content down, and sincerely apologize. Good Good has always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all, and we will continue to ensure that is our mission moving forward."

Equipment manufacturer Callaway Golf, which entered into a brand partnership with the media venture in 2023 to produce co-branded gear, acknowledged the incident and responded to the media backlash.

"We are disappointed by the content that was posted, and are appreciative of Good Good for addressing this," Callaway Golf said in a statement. "We look forward to working together to ensure a more inclusive space in golf."

The controversy comes as Good Good Golf expands its commercial presence, having grown from a 2020 YouTube startup with 2.13 million subscribers into a company that raised $45 million in funding and produces apparel and television programming.

The company is also slated to serve as the title sponsor for the PGA Tour's inaugural Good Good Championship from Nov. 12-15 at Omni Barton Creek in Austin, Texas.

"The PGA Tour believes in golf's ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all," a PGA Tour spokesperson said in a statement. "We do not condone violence in any form, and the since-deleted video does not reflect our values or commitment to inclusivity and respect."