By Charles Maduka
American golf content company Good Good has sacked its chief executive officer, Matt Kendrick, and president, Joe Flannery, following widespread backlash over a controversial advert that showed a woman being pushed to the ground.
The company confirmed the departures after the advert, created in partnership with golf club manufacturer Callaway, sparked criticism over its portrayal of violence against women.
Good Good’s vice-president of brand and marketing, Jeffrey Lefkovits, was also dismissed earlier in the week as the controversy continued to grow.
The advert showed Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark rushing towards professional golfer and Good Good content creator Alexis Miestowski before pushing her to the ground after she reached for a golf club. Clark then shouted, “Do not touch my new driver.”
The video attracted widespread criticism from viewers, who accused the company of making light of violence against women. Good Good and Callaway later removed the advert and issued apologies.
Callaway subsequently ended its partnership with Good Good and announced that it would donate $1 million to organisations working to prevent violence against women and support victims.
Good Good, which has about 2.1 million subscribers on YouTube, has also withdrawn its sponsorship of a PGA Tour event scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas, in November.
The fallout has also affected the company’s retail presence, with several retailers reportedly removing Good Good products from their shelves.
Nahid Giga, a Good Good board member and investor, has been appointed interim chief executive as the company deals with the aftermath of the controversy.
Head of finance and operations Alex Puchala described the executive departures as a “difficult day for the entire Good Good family” but said the company was encouraged by continued support from its fans.
Puchala added that the company remained focused on “moving forward and building the next chapter of the company.”
Good Good launched its YouTube channel in 2020 and has since grown into one of the largest golf content creators, producing videos featuring men and women competing in golf challenges, as well as television shows, advertisements and golf merchandise.
More Stories
Join Capital Sports Updates
Get breaking sports news, match results, transfer updates and highlights directly on WhatsApp.