Thomas L. Friedman, a renowned opinion columnist for The New York Times and a golf enthusiast, reflects on the downfall of LIV Golf, a league backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Initially, LIV Golf aimed to enhance golf's popularity in Saudi Arabia as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader strategy to attract sports tourism. However, Friedman argues that the tour, which reportedly received $5 billion in funding, failed to draw significant interest and was perceived as a corporate exhibition rather than a legitimate sporting event. He highlights the contradiction of Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its attempts at sportswashing, particularly following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The ongoing Iran war and economic pressures have exacerbated the decision to cease funding for LIV Golf, which Friedman views as a misstep in Saudi Arabia's strategy to gain global influence through sports. He concludes that the integrity and tradition of golf are paramount, and the future of Saudi investment in professional golf remains uncertain.