Callaway boss issues statement over controversial advert showing woman pushed to ground

The chief executive of Callaway says they are launching "internal and external" investigations after content creator and golf brand Good Good released an advertisement showing a woman being pushed to the ground. 

Good Good, which has more than two million subscribers on YouTube, published the short ad on their social media channels last week. 

It showed the face and co-founder of the brand, Garrett Clark, tackling pro golfer and fellow content creator Alexis Miestowski as she went to reach for a co-branded Callaway driver. 

After Miestowski let out a pained reaction, Clark warned her: "Do not touch my new driver."

The advertisement drew widespread criticism for its depiction of violence against women. 

Good Good hastily deleted the 15-second clip and apologised, although it remains in circulation on X and Facebook. 

The PGA Tour also felt obliged to comment given Good Good is sponsoring the inaugural $6m Good Good Championship in Austin this November. 

An now Chip Brewer, the CEO of the equipment giant, has released a lengthy statement expressing remorse. 

Brewer stressed that the video was produced by Good Good but acknowledged Callaway approved it prior to posting. 

He said investigations are underway and that the company will make changes to its approval processes.

"Last week, Good Good Golf and Callaway posted a video to promote a co-branded driver," said Brewer. 

"While the video was produced by Good Good, it was approved by Callaway prior to posting. 

"That approval should never have happened. Mistakes were made, and we are taking the matter very seriously.

"As we deal with the consequences of our mistake and complete our investigations, I want to make it clear that we sincerely apologize for the video. 

"The content was inappropriate and does not reflect our values. 

"To be clear: We are unequivocally against discrimination, domestic violence, or threatening behaviour of any kind.

Brewer said the issue was escalated after Callaway recognised the seriousness of the advertisement and that the video was removed.

"Preliminary statements were issued by both Good Good and Callaway, and now this statement has followed," he said. 

"We are also conducting both internal and external investigations and have already made changes to our approval processes aimed at ensuring this will never happen again.

"We believe we have been a positive force for diversity and inclusion in the game of golf. 

"This video was completely inconsistent with that. I assure you that we will learn from this and do better."