Two worlds collide in professional golf’s biggest event this week as top players from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed upstart league, compete in the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Tensions are running high after a group of elite players defected from the PGA to LIV, reaping generous paydays despite the Saudi monarchy’s dismal human rights record.
Many have rightly pointed out that the LIV venture may be an attempt by influential Saudi interests to divert public attention from the regime’s atrocities at home. But if that’s the motive, then so far, “golfwashing” isn’t getting out any authoritarian stains. It seems Americans can be split in their opinions of the golfers who took the Saudis’ money, enjoy watching the tournament and give themselves a pat on the back for understanding geopolitical nuances.
Nation-states have a long history of laundering their reputations by using charm offensives in sports, entertainment or even food. Events like last year’s Beijing Olympics and the World Cup soccer tournament hosted by Qatar are increasingly common.
