Mickelson says the world golf rankings need LIV events

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson on Thursday backed moves to award world ranking points for events at the breakaway LIV golf circuit,

The Saudi-backed LIV Series is hosting its first tournament in Asia this week and announced a deal on Wednesday to see the tournaments jointly sanctioned by the MENA,

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The Middle East and North Africa Tour and awarded points towards the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

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The official world golf ranking still has not announced whether points will now be awarded to LIV events, starting with this week's tournament in Bangkok.

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But Mickelson, whose exit from the US PGA Tour helped launch the big-money LIV streak, said it was in the rankings' best interest to do so.

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"I think it's a great way for the World Golf Rankings to maintain its credibility without bringing politics into the decision-making process,

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LIV has already hosted five events but without awarding ranking points for its players - including British Open champion Cameron Smith and former world number one Dustin Johnson.

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Mickelson, Smith, and Johnson are all competing at the new Stonehill course outside the Thai capital for a share of $20 million, with $4 million for the winner,

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