Golf Channel Responds To Backlash Over Ad Showing Woman Shoved

The YouTube channel Good Good issued an apology over the weekend for a since-deleted viral video depicting a man pushing a woman to the ground as part of an ad for Callaway Golf.

“We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand,” the statement from Good Good said. “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.”

A Callaway spokesperson said in a statement to Golf.com, “We are disappointed by the content that was posted, and are appreciative of Good Good for addressing this. We look forward to working together to ensure a more inclusive space in golf.”

Good Good is a popular YouTube golf channel with more than 2 million subscribers.

The ad was meant to promote a driver made in a collaboration between Good Good and Callaway Golf. One 15-second clip that’s gone viral shows Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark shoving member Alexis Miestowski to the ground. In the video, Clark stands over her and says: “Do not touch my new driver.”

Longer versions of the original are also being shared, with followers saying it was meant to be a horror movie-esque bit about becoming obsessed with the driver. 

In the full version, after Clark pushes Miestowski, the scene continues. 

“I don’t get the big deal. It’s just a new driver,” another golfer says, to which Clark yells, “Johnny, no! Don’t do it!”

Everyone in the golf group begs Johnny not to touch the driver as ominous horror-style music plays in the background. Johnny ignores them, then turns around with a menacing smile on his face and heads to the tee, pushing past the group to tee off, as they ask, “Johnny, are you OK?” Johnny then begins swinging wildly as the camera cuts to Clark, who concludes, “It’s over. He’s gone.” 

The ad ends with a text overlay that says, “Consider yourself warned,” which echoes the original caption text.

Put into context, skeptics are wondering if the ad is more a comment on the addictive nature of the driver and less some kind of statement on using physical force to keep women out of golf. But most agree it’s a bad look either way.

“Somebody watched ‘Obsession’ and destroyed Good Good,” one commenter wrote, referencing the hit horror movie of the summer. 

“It is just bad all around. Bad premise. Bad acting,” echoed another.

“Oh it’s a horror movie all right,” a third commenter wrote.