Despite fierce backlash from local elected officials, the LIV Golf Invitational Portland begins play Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge in North Plains. Local leaders have spoken out against the Saudi-funded LIV Golf event, calling it "sportswashing" of a country accused of human rights violation. Eleven mayors from Washington County signed a letter opposing the controversial event. During press conferences at Pumpkin Ridge this week, several professional golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau, sidestepped the human rights issue. “From my perspective, you know, we’re golfers. We’re providing entertainment globally and will continue to do so as time goes on,” said DeChambeau, who is among numerous players enticed to play LIV Golf, reportedly for millions of dollars. Read more: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/controversial-liv-golf-glitzy-party-portland-nonprofit/283-55971c6f-670c-40f4-9f42-6c1c88d8bdf0 https://www.youtube.com/c/KGWNews8 Watch the latest KGW newscast: https://www.kgw.com/watch Get the KGW app: https://kgw.com/appredirect