YouTube media group Good Good Golf has stepped away from its $6 million PGA Tour tournament sponsorship in Austin following severe commercial backlash on Thursday.
The decision to walk away from the title sponsorship of the Texas event comes after widespread outrage over a deleted Callaway Golf advertisement featuring co-founder Garrett Clark shoving collaborator Alexis Miestowski to the ground.
The PGA Tour announced on Thursday afternoon that Good Good Golf decided to withdraw as the title sponsor of the autumn tournament.
"The PGA TOUR has been informed of Good Good Golf's decision to step away as sponsor of the event in Austin, Texas, this fall," the Tour said in an official statement. "We agree with their decision to use this time to focus on their organization and the work ahead. The PGA TOUR believes in golf's ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all."
The PGA Tour confirmed that the tournament in Austin will still take place as scheduled from November 12 to November 15, 2026, with plans to secure a new sponsor for the event.
Good Good Golf stated that its choice to step away from the $6 million sponsorship deal came after "thoughtful discussions" and "careful reflection" within the organization.
"We recognize that we have work to do as an organization, and our focus right now is on our team, our culture and ensuring we learn from this situation," Good Good said in a statement.
Callaway Golf partnership termination
The collapse of the PGA Tour deal occurred just hours after equipment manufacturer Callaway Golf ended its relationship with Good Good, effective immediately, on Thursday.
Callaway released a statement confirming the full termination of its relationship with the golf media group following days of public criticism over the commercial.
"Over the last several days, we have listened and reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted," Callaway said. "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."
The golf giant added: "Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialized, normalized, or used as entertainment."
Callaway disclosed that an internal review determined its content approval procedures failed. "In this instance, our content review process was not comprehensive enough. We have taken appropriate internal corrective actions and significantly strengthened our approval procedures to help ensure this doesn't happen again," the company stated.
To address the impact of the ad, Callaway announced a $1 million financial commitment to anti-violence initiatives. "We are committing $1million to support organizations working to prevent violence against women, provide resources to survivors, and advance education and awareness efforts," the manufacturer said.
"These actions do not undo the harm caused or excuse our role in it. We sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt, disappointed, or offended by this incident," Callaway added, noting that its core values include being a positive influence in golf and communities.
Controversial Callaway ad details
The backlash stems from a 60-second commercial created to promote the Good Good branded Callaway Quantum driver, which was intended as a horror movie spoof referencing the film Obsession.
The opening scene of the advertisement shows Garrett Clark rushing over and body-checking Alexis Miestowski to the ground as she reaches toward the golf club.
While Miestowski lies flat on her back on the ground, Clark stands directly over her and angrily says: "Do not touch my new driver."
The remaining portion of the advertisement depicts other members of the content team becoming possessed by the golf club before the video ends.
Social media users circulated the clip online after it was pulled, with golf writer Stina Sternberg sharing footage on August 24, 2026, noting that the 60-second video appeared to be a horror movie spoof.
Garrett Clark apology video
Following the severe public reaction, Garrett Clark published an apology video addressing his central role in what he described as the "worst ad known to man."
"I personally want to apologize for playing the role in this skit, in this ad, at the magnitude that I did, and then on Good Good's behalf and Good Good marketing team's behalf, I wanted to say an apology as well because this is not at all what we stand for," Clark said.
Clark added: "Once again, I want everyone to know that I do not support DV abuse or any of that, of any kind. So that's the first thing I want to say, and I also wanted to offer you guys some clarity on the situation, if you guys are willing to hear."
Admitting the concept was flawed, Clark called it a "super dumb ad concept" and a "terrible ad in general," while emphasizing that it was a "complete skit" and he did not physically tackle anyone. "I didn't actually tackle a woman. I never would, and I didn't," he stated.
Clark described watching the commercial back after publication: "Once I watched it back and it got posted, my skin was crawling. I was cringing. I mean, just even minutes after I saw it get posted, before this surfaced everywhere online, I thought it was the worst ad known to man. The beginning of the ad was very intense with the way that that was pushed out there, and just not good all around. Not good. So I wanted to say that."
Addressing online abuse directed at Alexis Miestowski, Clark urged critics to stop messaging her directly. "Her DMs have been, I think, completely unacceptable. I know Alexis is struggling with a lot of this... put it towards me personally. I can handle it. If you want to leave them in these comments, you're welcome to," Clark said.
He invited further feedback to be directed at himself and the brand, adding: "If you got any left in the tank, give Good Good some hate. You can give me some hate in the comments down below. I do sincerely apologize for playing the role that I did in that ad, and I want you guys to know that I in no way, shape, or form support DV abuse or anything of the sort."
Retailer response and broadcast delays
The commercial backlash rapidly expanded beyond Callaway, affecting Good Good's broadcast deals and retail distribution channels across the golf industry.
On Tuesday, the Golf Channel issued a statement announcing that the premiere of the television series Big Break x Good Good was pushed back by one week after a sponsor requested its branding be removed from the show.
While the Golf Channel did not publicly identify the sponsor, multiple reports indicated that retailer Golf Galaxy had been listed as presenting sponsor before requesting its removal.
Within hours of the broadcast delay, reports and images surfaced showing that major retailers Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods had begun pulling all Good Good products from their store shelves.
Good Good brand background
Good Good Golf initially released a statement as criticism spiraled, confirming the commercial's removal from all channels.
"We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand. We have since taken that content down and sincerely apologize," the group stated, adding: "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."
Founded during the Covid-era golf boom, Good Good grew into one of the sport's most popular digital media entities, boasting over two million subscribers on YouTube.
The YouTube group's cast has evolved over time, previously featuring professional golfer Luke Kwon and YouTube golf creator Grant Horvat alongside co-founder Garrett Clark.
The brand's commercial expansion had positioned it to secure major corporate deals, including the now-abandoned $6 million title sponsorship of the PGA Tour tournament in Austin.
