Reigning NCAA men's golf champion Michael La Sasso has joined LIV Golf, forgoing his senior season at Ole Miss and losing his chance to play in this year's Masters.
LIV Golf announced Tuesday that La Sasso signed with HyFlyers GC led by Phil Mickelson, who called the former Ole Miss star “one of golf's promising young talents.”
“It is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best players in the history of football and I do not take it lightly,” La Sasso said in a statement. “LIV Golf allows me to compete at the highest level on a global stage and thrive in a team environment, especially one with the camaraderie and support that defines HyFlyers GC.”
With the decision to turn professional, La Sasso lost his amateur status and his invitation to the Masters, which he earned as an exemption as an NCAA individual champion.
La Sasso, who will turn 22 in March, was a first-team All-American last season at Ole Miss and led the Rebels to the semifinals of the NCAA team championship. He also competed for the United States in the 2025 Walker Cup.
“Michael is one of the most exciting young players in the game today and brings a competitive fire that is evident every time he plays,” Mickelson said in a statement. “He combines tremendous power and speed with exceptional feel for the game. Beyond his talent, his personality, work ethic and commitment to being a great teammate make him an excellent addition to HyFlyers GC.”
La Sasso played in six PGA Tour events last season and missed the cut in five of them, including the US Open, where he shot an even-par 75. He finished in a tie for 44th last July at the 3M Open, where he finished 11 under par.
La Sasso is the latest of LIV's additions this year that include Australia's Thomas Detry, Victor Perez, Laurie Canter, Byeong Hun An and Elvis Smylie. The LIV season begins in two weeks in Saudi Arabia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
