NCAA Champ Michael La Sasso Joins Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf Team

Michael La Sasso, the reigning NCAA individual champion, has officially joined LIV Golf. The talented player will be a part of Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC team. This new chapter in La Sasso’s career will commence with his debut at the upcoming LIV event in Saudi Arabia next month.

Impact on College Eligibility

With this decision, La Sasso will forfeit his remaining collegiate eligibility. He is leaving the Ole Miss Rebels before completing his final semester. This move has significant implications for both his career and his college team.

Upcoming Debut and Initial Opportunities

At just 21 years old, La Sasso recently secured an exemption to compete at the Masters in April, contingent on his amateur status. His victory at La Costa was pivotal in earning this spot. However, joining LIV Golf means he will not be able to participate as an amateur.

Quote from Michael La Sasso

La Sasso expressed his excitement about joining HyFlyers GC, stating, “It’s a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in the history of the game.” He emphasized his eagerness to thrive in a supportive team environment, focused on personal growth and team success.

Phil Mickelson’s Remarks

Phil Mickelson praised La Sasso, noting his competitive spirit and impressive skill set. “Michael combines tremendous power and speed with an exceptional feel for the game,” Mickelson said. He is confident that La Sasso’s work ethic and personality will be great assets for the team.

La Sasso’s Background and Achievements

• La Sasso previously played at North Carolina State before transferring to Ole Miss.
• He was a first-team All-American for two consecutive seasons at Ole Miss.
• Last season, he won three tournaments, including the NCAA championship.
• He finished the season ranked second nationally.
• La Sasso was also part of the U.S. Walker Cup team last summer.

Recent Performance

Despite his strong pedigree, La Sasso finished last fall ranked No. 100 in college golf. He struggled to find his footing in professional tournaments, making six PGA Tour appearances as an amateur and missing five cuts, including at the U.S. Open.

Future of Ole Miss Golf Team

The Ole Miss Rebels, who finished last season ranked No. 10 in the country, still have a solid roster. Following La Sasso’s departure, they retain seven players, with three, Cameron Tankersley, Tom Fischer, and Cohen Trolio, having significant experience on the course.

As La Sasso embarks on this new journey with LIV Golf and Phil Mickelson’s team, the golf community watches with great interest to see how his professional career unfolds.