Less than a week after Callaway and Good Good Golf removed an ad for a collaborative driver that featured a man pushing a woman to the ground, the two companies are no longer working together.
Callaway announced Thursday it has ended its relationship with Good Good, a YouTube Golf giant with over two million subscribers, effective immediately.
In a statement provided to GOLF, Callaway said it had completed its review of the matter involving a promotional ad created by Good Good for a branded collaborative Callaway Quantum driver and taken additional actions to strenghten their content review process. The company also said it was committing $1 million to support organizations working to prevent violence against women, provide resources to survivors and advance education and awareness efforts.
“Over the last several days, we have listened and reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted,” the statement reads. “We heard from individuals who shared personal experiences related to violence against women, and their stories were powerful reminders that this issue touches the lives of far too many people. Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialized, normalized, or used as entertainment.”
Callaway outlined the results from its review process, which included ending ties with Good Good, strengthening approval procedures and the $1 million donation.
“These actions do not undo the harm caused or excuse our role in it,” the statement said. “We sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt, disappointed, or offended by this incident.
“One of Callaway Golf’s core values is to be a positive influence, both in the game of golf and in our communities. We are further strengthening our commitment to these initiatives, and this will be an ongoing focus in our company. We are committed to learning from this incident and helping ensure that golf is a place where everyone feels respected, valued, and welcome.”
The backlash was swift against both Good Good and Callaway after the former posted a video promoting a Callaway driver that showed Good Good’s Garrett Clark running toward Alexis Miestowski, another member of Good Good, after she reaches for the driver. Clark pushed Miestowski and said: “Do not touch my new driver.”
This story will be updated.
