Callaway Golf Ad Controversy Explained: The Shocking Good Good Video, Backlash and Apology

A promotional video for a Callaway Golf driver has sparked controversy after popular golf content brand Good Good posted footage showing a man knocking a woman to the ground as she reached for the club.

The advert was swiftly deleted following criticism over its depiction of violence against women, prompting apologies and responses from Good Good, Callaway Golf and the PGA Tour as clips continued to circulate online.

What Happened in the Controversial Good Good Video?

The Callaway Golf ad featured Good Good personalities Garrett Clark and Alexis Miestowski in a scene centred on a new golf driver.

In the video, Clark is shown charging towards Miestowski as she reaches for the club before knocking her to the ground. He then stands over her as she lies on the grass and says, 'Do not touch my new driver.'

The scene quickly attracted criticism over its depiction of violence against a woman in an advertisement designed to promote golf equipment.

Good Good and Callaway removed the video from their official accounts late on Friday following the backlash. However, copies and clips of the deleted advert continued to circulate across social media after the original posts disappeared.

Good Good Apologises Over Callaway Golf Ad Backlash

Good Good issued an apology after removing the controversial Callaway Golf video, acknowledging that the content did not reflect the brand's stated principles.

'We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand,' the company said in a statement.

'We have since taken that content down. And sincerely apologize.'

Good Good added that it had 'always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all' and said it would continue to ensure that remained its mission moving forward.

The company was established as a YouTube channel in 2020 and has since grown into a prominent digital golf brand. Its content features eight men and four women taking part in golf matches and skill challenges, while the business has also expanded into made-for-TV programming, apparel and merchandise.

Callaway Golf and PGA Tour Respond To Deleted Video

Callaway Golf, which entered into a partnership with Good Good in 2023, also addressed the controversial advertisement after it was taken down.

'We are disappointed by the content that was posted, and are appreciative of Good Good for addressing this,' Callaway said.

The golf equipment company added: 'We look forward to working together to ensure a more inclusive space in golf.'

The PGA Tour also responded to the backlash, stressing that the video did not reflect its standards.

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

Controversy Ahead of Good Good Championship

The Callaway Golf ad controversy comes as Good Good prepares for an increasingly prominent role in professional golf.

The PGA Tour has embraced digital creators in recent years as it seeks to connect professional golf with audiences who consume much of their sports content online.

Good Good reached a significant milestone by becoming the title sponsor of the Good Good Championship, a PGA Tour event on the FedEx Cup Fall schedule.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 12 to 15 November in Austin, Texas.

The sponsorship places the digital golf company alongside one of the sport's biggest organisations, meaning the deleted Callaway advert and the subsequent responses from Good Good, Callaway and the PGA Tour have drawn additional attention ahead of the November tournament.