Golf media firm loses Callaway, PGA Tour deals over violent ad

Golf equipment company Callaway recently severed ties with media firm Good Good Golf following outrage over a violent advertisement. The ad, released last week and subsequently pulled, depicted a male golfer shoving a woman to the ground, sparking widespread backlash over its portrayal of violence against women. In response, Callaway announced it would no longer have a relationship with Good Good Golf, effective immediately.

The company also committed $1 million to organizations that prevent violence against women. Good Good Golf, which relies on a YouTube channel to attract a younger audience to the sport, had already issued an apology for the controversial ad. Despite this, the backlash persisted, with the PGA Tour announcing Good Good Golf would no longer serve as the title sponsor for an upcoming tournament in Austin, Texas.

The PGA Tour expressed agreement with Good Good Golf's decision to distance itself from the sponsorship and focus on its organization ahead of the tournament scheduled for November 12-15. The PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, described the company's initial handling of the controversy as "disappointing." Additionally, the Golf Channel stated it would be unable to complete its reality show "Big Break x Good Good" due to the media company's involvement, as a sponsor asked for its branding to be removed.