Golf giant Callaway apologises after ad sparks outcry

Golf equipment giant Callaway has apologized for a recently cancelled advertisement that depicted a male golfer forcefully pushing a female player to the ground. The ad, which was released online last week before being pulled, sparked outrage over its portrayal of violence against women and led to calls for a boycott of Callaway products.

Callaway golf chief executive Chip Brewer announced the company's investigation into how the advertisement, produced by golf media firm Good Good Golf, had been approved. Brewer stated that the approval should never have occurred, emphasizing that mistakes were made and that the company was taking the matter very seriously.

He went on to express sincere regret for the video, emphasizing that the content was inappropriate and did not align with Callaway's values. Brewer assured the public that the company would learn from this incident and do better in the future.

The advertisement featured Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark violently shoving Epson Tour professional player Alexis Miestowski to the ground when she tried to reach for his new driver. Good Good Golf, which primarily targets a younger audience through its successful YouTube channel, had already apologized for the controversial ad and taken it down.

Good Good Golf's sponsorship of the PGA Tour's inaugural Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas in November remains in place. PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp expressed dismay at the advertisement and Good Good's handling of the controversy, stating that the circuit found the ad concerning and not aligned with PGA TOUR values.

He noted that the company's initial response was disappointing and defensive, but has since improved. Rolapp emphasized that the PGA TOUR would continue to monitor and work with Good Good Golf going forward.