How clean do the Saudis expect to get by sportswashing with men's golf?

As the beautifully warm months begin and we move into the summer sports season, who knew that one of the most polarizing topics would be men's golf?

Yes, one of the most elite, white-men's sports became a hotbed of political drama when the Saudi Arabian-sponsored LIV Golf tour started in London on June 9.

We know sport can be a vehicle of empowerment and can boost a country's reputation on a global scale, particularly if it might struggle with systemic and violent oppression like sexism, racism or homophobia. I did not imagine that golf would be the centre of heated debate about reckless sportwashing. 

Sportwashing is when a country uses sports disingenuously to launder its reputation globally, and simultaneously distract from what is usually an abysmal human-rights record. No governing body or monarchy in the world is without flaws and yes, sport can be used as a tool of anti-oppression work to create a better society for everyone. Sports can be used as a connecting platform for a learning culture where ideas can be shared. And yes, why not golf? And while the PGA Tour boasts impressive philanthropic initiatives, the game still struggles with sexism at the highest echelons.  

The debate also rages on about golfers' inability — at least, the non-stars — to make decent money on the PGA Tour. Golfers are considered "independent contractors" who must pay for their travel, caddy and tournament entry fees, coaching costs and other expenditures that include the use of changing rooms at tournaments. Men golfers had previously expressed frustration. It can be of no surprise some golfers may want to go rogue and find opportunities to make more money. 

WATCH | Saudi-funded golf tour poaches top pros:

So, when the Kingdom of Saudi