Two top executives at Good Good Golf have stepped down in the wake of a storm of criticism sparked by a promotional video that depicted a woman being forced to the ground. The departures include the company’s chief executive officer, Matt Kendrick, and its president, Joe Flannery, as the backlash over the clip continues to unfold. The video, which was released last month to showcase a new Callaway driver, was quickly pulled after drawing intense disapproval and was subsequently deleted from the brand’s channels. The content, produced by the popular golf‑focused creators, was condemned by many observers for seemingly glorifying violence against women.
In response, Good Good Golf issued an apology via its social‑media platforms, while Callaway Golf acknowledged that "mistakes were made" in how the situation was handled. The controversy prompted an internal communication from Alex Puchala, the firm’s head of finance and operations, which was later shared with Business Insider. Puchala’s memo confirmed that Nahid Giga—a board member, early investor, and co‑founder of Good Good—has been appointed interim chief executive officer to steer the company through the crisis. "This is a difficult day for the entire Good Good family," Puchala wrote.
"Matt Kendrick 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. 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 Clark 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. 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 and has since grown into one of the sport’s most influential digital creators. The channel features a rotating cast of eight men and four women who compete in traditional rounds, trick‑shot challenges, and a variety of golf‑related stunts.
Beyond online videos, the brand has expanded into televised series, apparel lines, and a range of branded merchandise, cementing its presence both on‑ and off‑the‑course. The contentious advertisement was intended, according to the company, to parody the horror film "Obsession." However, the parody fell flat for many viewers, who interpreted the scene as an unsettling portrayal of gender‑based aggression. The clip was removed on the same day it was posted—August 20—after the outcry escalated across social platforms. The response from the broader golf community was swift.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp expressed 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 remarks underscored the sport’s longstanding emphasis on inclusivity and respect.
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 video apology. In that address, he described the commercial as "the worst ad known to man" and insisted it did not reflect the values of the organization. Clark’s candid admission was an attempt to distance the brand from the misstep and reassure fans that the incident was an anomaly rather than a reflection of its culture. The fallout extended beyond personnel changes.
Good Good Golf had been slated to serve as the title sponsor for a new PGA Tour event in Austin scheduled for November, but the partnership was abandoned amid the controversy. Similarly, Callaway Golf terminated its collaboration with Good Good, and major retailers—including Golf Galaxy and its parent company Dick's Sporting Goods—removed the brand’s merchandise from their shelves. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for influencer‑driven enterprises that venture into traditional advertising. While the digital creator model offers unparalleled reach and authenticity, it also carries the risk that misjudged content can quickly erode public trust.
For Good Good Golf, the challenge now lies in rebuilding its reputation, reaffirming its commitment to respectful storytelling, and ensuring that future campaigns align with the inclusive spirit that the sport strives to promote. The appointment of Nahid Giga as interim CEO signals a desire for steady leadership, while the continued involvement of the creator team suggests that the brand intends to maintain its core content‑creation engine while learning from this misstep.
As the company navigates this turbulent period, its next moves will be closely watched by fans, sponsors, and the broader golf community alike.