NCAA Champ Michael La Sasso Exits Ole Miss for LIV Golf

Michael La Sasso, the reigning NCAA Division I individual champion, will transition from college golf to professional play. The 21-year-old has decided to skip his senior season at the University of Mississippi to join LIV Golf’s HyFlyers team, as announced on Tuesday.

Transition from College Golf to LIV Golf

By joining LIV Golf, La Sasso forfeits his college eligibility. He plans to complete his degree through online courses while preparing for professional tournaments. His first appearance in the LIV series is scheduled for next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Impact on Eligibility and Upcoming Tournaments

La Sasso’s decision will also affect his eligibility for the Masters Tournament. As he is no longer considered an amateur, he will miss the opportunity to compete at Augusta National. The NCAA Division I champion is traditionally invited to the Masters, provided they remain an amateur at the time of the event.

La Sasso’s Collegiate Achievements

In 2025, La Sasso won the NCAA title and received First Team All-American honors. He also represented the United States in the Walker Cup at Cypress Point. Notably, he recorded the lowest single-season scoring average in Ole Miss history with 69.48.

PGA Tour Experience

Last summer, La Sasso participated in six PGA Tour events, including the prestigious U.S. Open, although he did not make the cut in five of them. Heading into his final college season, he ranked No. 3 in the PGA Tour University standings, a position that offers promising opportunities for advancement.

• Achievements:
  • NCAA Division I Champion – 2025
  • First Team All-American
  • Lowest scoring average in Ole Miss history (69.48)
• Upcoming Events:
  • First LIV Golf tournament: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Reactions and Future Prospects

In a statement, La Sasso expressed his excitement about joining HyFlyers GC, highlighting the chance to learn from renowned golfer Phil Mickelson. Mickelson praised La Sasso as one of the game’s most promising young talents.

LIV Golf has focused on recruiting emerging players. Recent signings include Caleb Surratt, Josele Ballester, and David Puig. The league continues to attract young prospects, reinforcing its strategy of building a vibrant and diverse roster.

As the landscape of professional golf evolves, La Sasso’s move to LIV could signify a shift among upcoming players prioritizing opportunities beyond traditional collegiate paths.