Golf equipment giant Callaway has severed its partnership with Good Good Golf, one of the world's most popular YouTube sports channels, effective immediately. The decision, announced on Thursday, follows widespread criticism of an advertisement that many viewers believed made light of violence against women.
Callaway also stated it would donate $1 million to organizations dedicated to preventing violence against women and supporting survivors of domestic violence. The company acknowledged that its internal review process for the ad, which it had reposted, was not comprehensive enough and has since strengthened its approval process.
The controversial video, posted on August 21, promoted a driver produced with Callaway. It depicted Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark shoving personality Alexis Miestowski to the ground while stating, "Do not touch my new driver." Good Good quickly removed the ad and issued an apology on Saturday, with Clark adding a personal apology in a video on Wednesday night. Clark stated he does not support domestic abuse or any violence.
The fallout has extended beyond Callaway, with Golf Channel postponing the premiere of its reality show "Big Break x Good Good" by a week. Additionally, retailers such as Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy have pulled Good Good merchandise from their shelves and online stores. The PGA Tour commissioner, Brian Rolapp, commented that the situation regarding Good Good's title sponsorship of a November PGA Tour event is "fluid" and will continue to be monitored.