The PGA Tour’s path back to Austin, Texas, has been anything but smooth, especially after an August 21 advertisement featuring Good Good Golf co-founder Garrett Clark sparked widespread backlash. That video, which depicted Clark shoving a woman to the ground, ultimately cost the tournament its original expected sponsor.
The Fallout From a Single Video
Good Good Golf was initially set to be the event’s sponsor. However, the controversial advertisement, promoting their driver collaboration with Callaway, ignited a firestorm of criticism. The image of Garrett Clark shoving a woman was enough for PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp to announce that Good Good was moving away from the tournament. It was a dramatic turn, forcing the Austin Championship to pivot hard just weeks before its debut.
Austin’s Persistence and a New Sponsor Emerge
Despite the sponsor drama, PGA Tour golf is making its return to Austin after a three-year absence, following the departure of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play from Austin Country Club. This new FedEx Cup Fall event, dubbed the Austin Championship, is set for November 12-15 at the Fazio Canyons course at Barton Creek Resort. Tournament director Ian Helm told Golfweek that despite the rocky road, “It does. I think a big piece of it is our partners have been great throughout this entire process.” He stressed that Austin is “the right market, no matter the title sponsor,” with a community that “loves PGA Tour golf.” The community’s support has been a consistent factor, even as much changes from the previous Match Play event, including the course and time of year. Compliance Solutions is now expected to be announced as the presenting sponsor, with an official PGA Tour announcement potentially coming as early as Monday. Helm also confirmed plans to engage local interest, especially with exemptions for former University of Texas standouts Christiaan Maas and Tommy Morrison, along with Austin native Cole Sherwood, to ensure strong community ties.
The official PGA Tour announcement regarding Compliance Solutions is expected soon. With the Austin Championship teeing off November 12-15 at the Fazio Canyons course, it looks like Austin’s passion for PGA Tour golf will finally get the spotlight it deserves, despite the wild ride to get there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply