Meghan MacLaren has been one of the harshest critics of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in professional golf and “sportswashing” over the past few years.
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Three years ago, MacLaren took a stance and decided not to play in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International. However, this year, the 29-year-old is playing in the event, which features a massive $5 million purse.
As reported by Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols, McClaren has this week spoken about her shift in perspective.
“At some point, you have to reconcile,” said MacLaren. “This is my competitive nature and my profession versus how do I want to live my life? What do I want to stand up for?
“You have a voice to a certain point, but also, the better golfer I am and the more recognizable golfer I am, the louder I can use that voice.”
In this week’s Saudi International, the women are competing for the same prize pool the men competed for. In addition to this week’s event, there are five more Aramco events. Outside of the majors, the Aramco series makes up for 40% of the remaining prize money available this season.
“At the end of the day, money is power,” said MacLaren. “We live in a world where that is the truth, and you can’t get around that. How you choose to use that money will say a lot about who you are as a person.”
15 of the world’s top 30 in the women’s game are set to tee it up at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City.
