Sandy City removes Callaway gear from River Oaks after viral ad backlash

Key points

• Sandy City officials removed Callaway equipment from River Oaks Golf Course on Friday, August 28, 2026.
• The decision followed a viral video ad featuring Good Good co-founder Garrett Clark pushing influencer Alexis Miestowski to the ground.
• Callaway severed its partnership with Good Good and pledged $1 million to organizations preventing violence against women.
• River Oaks plans to replace Callaway products with merchandise from women-owned brands.
• Good Good stepped down from sponsoring the PGA Tour’s Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas.

Background

This controversy marks a significant clash between traditional golf institutions and newer internet-driven media brands. Good Good, founded in 2020, had become a prominent figure in modern golf culture, but the incident has strained its relationship with the PGA Tour. The event follows a pattern of corporate marketing missteps, such as the 2015 Nationwide ad, where brands attempting to appeal to younger audiences faced severe backlash for perceived insensitivity. The archive notes that the controversy has already led to the cancellation of the 'Big Break x Good Good' television series and the removal of Good Good branding from major retail partners.

How outlets are covering it

FOX 13 News Utah emphasized the local impact, highlighting Mayor Monica Zoltanski’s statement that violence against women is unacceptable in public recreation facilities. CNN focused on the broader cultural conflict, describing the incident as a collision between golf’s conservative 'old guard' and the 'new age' internet culture, noting PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp’s criticism of Good Good’s initial defensive response. Sportico analyzed the business implications, pointing out that Callaway’s content review process was insufficient and that the incident serves as a cautionary tale for established brands attempting to collaborate with edgy influencers. While all sources agree on the facts of the ad and the subsequent fallout, they differ in emphasis: local outlets focus on community safety, while industry analysts focus on brand strategy and corporate accountability.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks of modern marketing strategies that prioritize viral content over ethical review. It demonstrates how quickly a single advertisement can damage brand partnerships, lead to financial losses, and force public institutions to reevaluate their vendor relationships. The removal of Callaway merchandise from a public golf course signals a shift in how municipalities approach corporate sponsorships, prioritizing inclusive environments over commercial partnerships when public sentiment is involved.

What to watch

River Oaks Golf Course will source new merchandise from women-owned brands to replace the removed Callaway products. The course is also scheduled to host the 2026 Women's Veterans on Course event next month. The PGA Tour will continue to monitor the situation regarding the Good Good Championship, though the event is expected to proceed without Good Good branding. Callaway has stated it has strengthened its internal content approval procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.