Leadership Shakeup at Good Good: CEO and President Depart Following Backlash Over Controversial Ad
The leadership team at the prominent YouTube golf collective Good Good is undergoing a radical restructuring. According to an internal memo obtained by Business Insider, the company’s CEO and president are both out, marking the latest chapter in a turbulent period for the brand.
The departure follows a firestorm of controversy surrounding a promotional video created in partnership with Callaway. The ad, which was widely criticized for its tone, depicted co-founder Garrett Clark running toward fellow member Alexis Miestowski and knocking her to the ground. After pushing her, Clark stood over her and stated, “Do not touch my new driver,” before seizing the club.
A Rapid Fall from Grace
The reaction to the ad was immediate and severe. Retailers pulled Good Good’s merchandise from store shelves, and the group—which had been a burgeoning force in the creator economy—was forced to step down as the title sponsor of a high-profile PGA Tour event.
In the aftermath, the company’s former CEO, Matt Kendrick, publicly blasted Callaway after the manufacturer cut ties with the group. However, reports indicated that Kendrick had not viewed the ad before it went live, attributing the oversight to the company’s marketing department. Both the head of marketing at Good Good and a member of the Callaway content team were subsequently let go.
A New Chapter for the Collective
In a memo to staffers regarding the Good Good CEO and president’s departure, Alex Puchala, who manages finance and operations, described the day as “difficult” but expressed gratitude for the work done by the outgoing executives.
“Matt helped build something extraordinary that exceeded all expectations and continues to bring countless new fans to the sport,” Puchala wrote. “What began as a small group of friends playing golf is now a growing global community.”
To steer the company through this transition, co-founder and early investor Nahid Giga has been named interim CEO. Puchala will continue to serve as COO and CFO, overseeing day-to-day operations while the creator team, including Garrett Clark, continues to produce content.
Seeking a Path to Recovery
Despite the recent scandal, a spokesperson for the collective noted that the company remains on solid footing, citing growth in retail sales and social media engagement, as well as sustained confidence from investors.
The company had spent the year positioning itself as a brand-friendly entity, notably through its “There’s More to Golf” campaign, which aimed to promote inclusivity and broaden the sport’s appeal. Industry experts suggest that while the damage to the brand’s reputation was significant, the company has a viable path to recovery if it returns to its roots, leveraging its trademark humor and focusing on its core, dedicated audience.
As the collective looks to move past the controversy, leadership remains focused on long-term stability. “We’re encouraged by the continued support of the Good Good community,” Puchala stated in the memo, “and we remain focused on moving forward and building the next chapter of the company.”
