Good Good Golf CEO Resigns Following Callaway Ad Controversy

Good Good Golf Chief Executive Matt Kendrick and President Joe Flannery departed the company on Wednesday, according to an internal email reviewed by CBS News. The leadership changes come in the wake of intense public criticism surrounding a promotional video produced in partnership with Callaway Golf.

Nahid Giga, a co-founder and early investor in Good Good Golf, has assumed the role of interim chief executive, effective immediately, as announced in a Sept. 2 memo from CFO Alex Puchala.

The controversy centers on a digital advertisement that was quickly removed after viewers condemned its content. The clip depicts a male golfer shoving a female golfer to the ground as she attempts to use his driver. While Good Good stated the video was intended as a parody of the horror film “Obsession,” critics argued it made light of violence against women.

Callaway Golf terminated its three-year partnership with the digital media company following the backlash. Good Good Golf also announced it would withdraw its sponsorship of a PGA Tour event scheduled for this fall. Both organizations issued apologies for the advertisement.

In the email, Puchala addressed the departing leadership, noting that Kendrick helped transform the company from a small group of friends into a global community. “This is a difficult day for the entire Good Good family,” Puchala wrote. He confirmed that co-founder Garrett Clark, who portrayed the male golfer in the ad, will remain with the firm to continue creating content for the brand’s audience.