Image Source: Antony Tovar, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
What Was the Accusation?
Good Good Golf faced widespread criticism in August 2026 after the golf-content company published a short promotional video for a Callaway Golf driver that depicted Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark shoving fellow Good Good member Alexis Miestowski to the ground. In the approximately 15-second advertisement, Miestowski approached a golf bag and reached toward the driver. Clark then ran toward her, knocked her to the ground and, while standing over her, warned, “Do not touch my new driver.” The commercial was intended to promote a driver developed through the relationship between Good Good and Callaway, but critics argued that the joke made light of violence against women.
The advertisement generated a rapid backlash on social media after it appeared on August 21. Golf journalists and other viewers questioned both the content of the video and how it had progressed through the creative and approval process without someone objecting to the depiction. Good Good and Callaway removed the advertisement from their official platforms late Friday, although copies continued circulating online. The controversy attracted additional attention because Good Good had become an increasingly prominent institution in golf. Founded as a YouTube channel in 2020, the company had grown to more than two million YouTube subscribers and had expanded into equipment, apparel, televised events and other golf ventures. The PGA Tour had also entered into a multi-year agreement with Good Good for the Good Good Championship, a FedExCup Fall tournament scheduled for November 2026 in Austin, Texas.
On August 22, Good Good issued a written apology acknowledging that the video depicted conduct inconsistent with the brand’s values. The company said it had removed the content, apologized and emphasized its stated commitment to making golf inclusive. Callaway separately said it was disappointed by the content, appreciated Good Good’s response and looked forward to working with the company to create a more inclusive environment in golf. The PGA Tour also distanced itself from the advertisement, stating that it did not condone violence and that the deleted video did not reflect the Tour’s commitment to inclusivity and respect. Criticism nevertheless continued after the apology, with some observers arguing that Good Good’s statement did not adequately explain why the advertisement had been created and approved in the first place.
Key Apologia Strategies
Mortification, Corrective Action, Bolstering
Video
N/A
Transcript
Good Good Golf Statement Regarding the Driver Advertisement (August 22, 2026):
“We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand. 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.”
