The past few days featured the first ever golf tournament hosted by an upstart Saudi-funded league at Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, NJ (take a second to digest). As a proud non-golfer, it’s been interesting to hear about the development of LIV Golf, the professional league financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) that launched in October 2021. The name “LIV” has something to do with Roman numerals and golf, but I honestly don’t care and it doesn’t matter at all. What’s been equally interesting to observe is the full-throated right-wing embrace of LIV Golf, with the tournament at Trump’s golf course, and the entire bozo patrol on hand. The marriage of far-right insanity with Saudi oil & gas supremacy is truly a match made in the depths of hell.
PIF has also famously made forays into the Premier League, with the purchase of Newcastle United last season. These sportswashing tactics have seen mixed results, as some players and coaches have turned down the opportunity to join the projects, whether Newcastle or LIV, arguing that no amount of money can make up for the morally bankrupt ownership. Those who have chosen to participate have been ostracized to some degree, but they’ll sleep warm at night with all their millions.
(Unrelated fact I learned this week: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) also purchased ~5% stake in Nintendo earlier this year. Think about that next time you play Mario Kart)
Side Items
Shoutout to Carbon Mapper for sharing their insights from three years of aerial surveillance over the West Texas Permian basin. Their research identified 30 “super emitter” facilities across the region whose mitigation would prevent $26 million a year in wasted gas
The sporting world lost a titan yesterday as 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell passed at the ripe age of 88. These are a few great pieces chronicling his remarkable accomplishments on the court and his undefeated attitude off it
T’was a storybook ending for The Lionesses, the women’s national team of England, as they took home their first piece of silverware yesterday, winning the Women’s Euro 2022 in front of a record crowd in England. For doing what no English team has done in 50+ years, each player will receive a bonus of £55,000. For context, the men’s team would have taken home £460,000 each had they won their tournament last summer (alas, them boys lost)