Two senior leaders at Good Good Golf have stepped down after the company faced a storm of criticism over a promotional video that depicted a woman being forced to the ground. The departures include Chief Executive Officer Matt Kendrick and President Joe Flannery, both of whom left their posts as the controversy surrounding the ad continued to unfold.
The video in question was released last month as part of a campaign to promote a new Callaway driver. Within hours of its launch, the clip was pulled from the internet, but not before it sparked a wave of backlash from viewers, industry observers, and advocacy groups who argued that the content glorified violence against women. In response, Good Good Golf issued an apology via its social‑media channels, while Callaway Golf acknowledged that “mistakes were made” in how the situation was handled. An internal memorandum circulated by Alex Puchala, the firm’s head of finance and operations, was obtained by Business Insider and confirmed that board member and early investor Nahid Giga would assume the role of interim CEO.
Puchala’s statement read, “This is a difficult day for the entire Good Good family. Matt helped build something extraordinary that exceeded all expectations and continues to bring countless new fans to the sport.
What began as a small group of friends playing golf is now a growing global community.” He went on to explain the leadership transition: “To ensure stability through this transition, Nahid Giga, Good Good co‑founder and one of our first investors, will step in as interim CEO, effective immediately. Garrett and the creator team will keep doing what they do best—making great content and engaging our fans who are eager to see and hear from us. I will remain COO and CFO and will continue to oversee day‑to‑day operations.” The memo concluded with a note of optimism: “We’re encouraged by the continued support of the Good Good community, and we remain focused on moving forward and building the next chapter of the company.” Good Good Golf originated as a YouTube channel in 2020.
Over the past few years it has grown into one of the sport’s most influential content networks, featuring a roster of eight men and four women who compete in traditional rounds, trick‑shot challenges, and a variety of off‑course stunts. The brand has expanded beyond digital video into television‑style productions, a line of apparel, and a range of merchandise sold through major retailers.
According to the company, the contentious advertisement was intended as a parody of the horror film "Obsession." Nevertheless, the depiction of a woman being violently shoved was received as tone‑deaf and misogynistic by many viewers. The clip was removed on the same day it was posted, August 20, but the damage to the brand’s reputation had already been done. PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp expressed his disappointment, stating, “We were disappointed with what we saw. The PGA Tour believes in golf’s ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all.” His comments underscored the broader concern that the incident threatened the sport’s inclusive image.
Garrett Clark, a co‑founder of Good Good Golf and the individual who physically pushed the woman in the video, later posted an eight‑minute apology video. In it, he described the commercial as “the worst ad known to man” and emphasized that it did not reflect the values of the organization. Clark’s candid admission was an attempt to mitigate the fallout and reassure fans that the company’s culture would not tolerate such portrayals. The repercussions extended beyond personnel changes.
Good Good Golf had been slated to serve as the title sponsor for a new PGA Tour event scheduled for November in Austin, Texas. In light of the controversy, the company withdrew its sponsorship commitment.
Likewise, Callaway Golf terminated its partnership with Good Good Golf, and major retailers—including Golf Galaxy and its parent company Dick’s Sporting Goods—removed the brand’s merchandise from their shelves. The episode highlights the heightened scrutiny that digital content creators face when they venture into brand partnerships and advertising.
While Good Good Golf built its reputation on authentic, relatable storytelling that resonated with a younger, more diverse audience, this misstep illustrates how quickly a single piece of content can erode goodwill and trigger a cascade of corporate consequences. Industry analysts suggest that the incident will serve as a cautionary tale for other influencer‑driven enterprises. They recommend rigorous internal review processes, especially for material that could be interpreted as endorsing harmful stereotypes or violent behavior.
Moreover, they advise that companies maintain clear lines of communication with partner brands to ensure that marketing messages align with shared values. Looking ahead, Nahid Giga’s interim leadership will likely focus on rebuilding trust with both the golf community and commercial partners.
This may involve transparent reporting on internal policy reforms, a renewed commitment to inclusive storytelling, and perhaps a series of community‑focused initiatives designed to demonstrate the brand’s dedication to diversity and respect. In summary, the departure of Good Good Golf’s top executives marks a pivotal moment for the organization. The controversy surrounding the Callaway driver ad not only prompted leadership turnover but also led to the loss of sponsorships, retailer support, and a significant portion of public goodwill. The company now faces the challenge of redefining its brand identity, reinforcing ethical standards, and re‑engaging a fan base that once celebrated its fresh, grassroots approach to golf content.