Golf equipment manufacturer Callaway cuts ties with media firm over violent ad

[p]The ad, released online last week before being pulled, triggered a huge backlash for its depiction of violence against women, including calls for a boycott of Callaway products.[/p][p]The online video showed Garrett Clark -- co-founder of golf media firm Good Good -- knocking Epson Tour professional player Alexis Miestowski to the ground when she attempts to reach for his driver, before warning her: "Do not touch my new driver."[/p][p]Callaway said it had reviewed the matter and "has ended its relationship with Good Good, effective immediately."[/p][p]"[b]Over the last several days, we have listened and reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted[/b]," it said in a statement.[/p][embed guid="a22c743c-3e7c-4f85-8bb2-6e830c5c4d15" url="https://x.com/CallawayGolf/status/2093028430728384830" social-type="twitter" /][p]"[b]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[/b].[/p][p]"[b]Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialized, normalized, or used as entertainment[/b]."[/p][p]Callaway will commit $1 million to support organisations working to prevent violence against women, it added.[/p][p]Good Good Golf, which centres its business around a successful YouTube channel aimed at bringing a younger audience to the sport, had already apologised for the controversial advert.[/p][p]"[b]We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand[/b]," Good Good said in a statement.[/p][p]Good Good will be the title sponsor for the PGA Tour's inaugural Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas in November.[/p][p]PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp said this week the circuit was dismayed by the advert and said Good Good's initial handling of the controversy was "disappointing."[/p]