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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making major inroads in professional golf. It holds lucrative annual events, funds a 10-event series on the Asian Tour, and hopes to lure the world\u2019s best male players to a proposed Super Golf League. Recently, the SGL initiative has taken a hit because of Phil Mickelson\u2019s loose lips, but Saudi Arabia appears committed to its golf strategy, and it\u2019s clear that the country is engaged in a practice known as \u201csportswashing.\u201d As one of our guests, Dr. Helen Lenskyj, defines it, sportswashing involves \u201cattempts on the part of authoritarian regimes to improve their tarnished global reputations through sport.\u201d It is important for golf fans to understand this concept because the Saudis aren\u2019t going anywhere.\n\nWe have two guests today: Dr. Lenskyj, an academic researcher who focuses on the relationship between sports and global politics; and Will Bardwell, a civil rights attorney and golf writer.\n\nTime stamps:\n\n2:49\u2014Will Bardwell interview, part 1\n\n13:11\u2014Helen Lenskyj interview\n\n30:25\u2014Will Bardwell interview, part 2\n\nReading material:\n\nWill Bardwell, \u201cBlind Men and Blood\u201d\n\nHelen Lenskyj, The Olympic Games: A Critical Approach\n\nCheck out The Fried Egg Events page on Golf Genius.