The short version
- Major sporting goods retailers have removed Good Good Golf products from shelves and online stores following public outcry over a recent advertisement.
- PGA Tour officials describe the sponsorship situation as fluid, noting that the initial response to the controversy was disappointing and misaligned with tour values.
- Co-founder Garrett Clark issued a personal video apology, clarifying that the skit was intended as a movie parody but acknowledging it was in poor taste.
The golf industry is grappling with significant fallout from Good Good Golf, one of the most prominent digital sports channels on YouTube, after a promotional video sparked widespread condemnation for depicting violence against women. The controversy centers on an advertisement released on August 21 to promote a driver developed in partnership with Callaway. In the clip, co-founder Garrett Clark is seen shoving fellow personality Alexis Miestowski to the ground as she attempts to retrieve the club from his bag. Clark then stands over her while declaring that no one should touch his new equipment.
The immediate reaction from viewers and industry observers was sharply negative, with many interpreting the scene as making light of domestic abuse. In response to the backlash, Good Good removed the video from its social media platforms within days. The company issued a formal statement on Saturday, asserting that the content did not align with its brand values or its mission to make golf more inclusive. The statement expressed sincere regret for the actions depicted in the now-deleted footage.
Despite the corporate apology, pressure mounted on leadership to address the incident more directly. On Wednesday night, Garrett Clark posted a personal video message lasting more than eight minutes. In the recording, he expressed hope that the public could move past the incident and emphasized that neither he nor the company supports abuse of any kind. Clark stated that he personally wanted to apologize for his role in the skit, acknowledging that the magnitude of his involvement was problematic.
Clark attempted to provide context for the production, sharing behind-the-scenes footage to demonstrate that he did not physically strike Miestowski during filming. He described the ad as a spoof intended to parody the horror movie Obsession, though he admitted to cringing upon seeing the final product. Clark also condemned the negative messages directed at Miestowski on social media, urging viewers to forgive both himself and the company for the poor-taste promotion while reiterating their commitment to growing women’s golf.
The commercial consequences of the controversy have been swift and tangible. Major retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, have pulled Good Good merchandise from their physical stores and online marketplaces. Additionally, the Golf Channel postponed the premiere of its reality series Big Break x Good Good by one week after a sponsor requested that its branding be removed from the production. These actions signal a broader industry reluctance to associate with the brand during this period of reputational damage.
The PGA Tour, which has a significant financial relationship with Good Good through title sponsorship of an event scheduled for November in Austin, Texas, has also weighed in on the situation. Tour commissioner Brian Rolapp described the current status as fluid, indicating that the organization is actively monitoring developments. When asked if the controversy would impact the upcoming sponsorship, Rolapp suggested that the outcome remains uncertain and dependent on how the situation evolves.
Rolapp was critical of the company’s initial handling of the crisis, stating that the early response was disappointing, defensive, and late. He emphasized that the content was clearly misaligned with PGA Tour values and warranted serious attention. This assessment underscores the high stakes for Good Good, as maintaining good standing with major sporting bodies is crucial for its continued growth and legitimacy within the professional golf ecosystem.
Matt Kendrick, the CEO of Good Good, spoke to the Wall Street Journal earlier in the week, accepting full responsibility for the error. He noted that the buck stops with him and acknowledged that better internal processes should have been in place to prevent such a misstep. Kendrick characterized the ad as a mistake that the company fully owns, highlighting the need for improved oversight in future marketing campaigns.
As the dust settles, Good Good faces a critical juncture in its relationship with both consumers and corporate partners. The incident has exposed vulnerabilities in how digital-native sports brands navigate sensitive social issues while pursuing aggressive marketing strategies. While Clark and Kendrick have offered apologies and explanations, the tangible losses in retail presence and potential sponsorship revenue suggest that rebuilding trust will require more than just verbal contrition.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether Good Good can recover from this reputational hit. The PGA Tour’s continued monitoring of the situation indicates that any resolution regarding the Austin event sponsorship is not yet guaranteed. For a brand credited with bringing golf to a younger, more diverse audience, the challenge now lies in demonstrating through consistent action that its stated values of inclusivity and respect are genuine commitments rather than mere marketing slogans.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Good Good Golf co-founder sorry for ad depicting violence against woman
