Michael La Sasso, the current NCAA individual champion, is making a big move by joining LIV Golf. The Ole Miss senior has signed a multi-year deal with Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC and is set to make his debut at LIV’s upcoming event in Saudi Arabia. This choice means he’ll give up his remaining college eligibility, leaving the Rebels before finishing his final semester.
At just 21, La Sasso had an invitation to the Masters this April due to his impressive one-shot victory at La Costa—eligible only if he stayed an amateur. Excited about this new chapter, La Sasso expressed, “Joining HyFlyers GC is a rare opportunity. I’m eager to learn from one of the greatest and compete globally. Team environments boost my performance, and I want to help our team thrive.”
He’s not alone in this transition. La Sasso is the second NCAA champion to join LIV this season, following Turk Pettit from 2021. The league has also welcomed notable players like Ben An and Thomas Detry this offseason, showing a trend of attracting emerging talent.
La Sasso’s spot on the PGA Tour University list highlighted his potential; he ranked third. This marks a shift in college golf, as more players pursue career opportunities in professional leagues. According to a 2023 report by the National Golf Foundation, interest in golf among young players is on the rise, with 8 million kids aged 6-17 participating regularly. This growing involvement may inspire more athletes to consider professional routes earlier in their careers.
Chris Malloy, the Ole Miss head coach, shared that La Sasso’s decision was tough but necessary for his future. “He’s a team guy, and this was not an easy decision,” Malloy said. After transferring from North Carolina State, La Sasso became a first-team All-American and clinched three wins last season, including the NCAA title.
As he leaves, the Rebels still maintain a solid roster, although some players will need to step up. Malloy noted that La Sasso spoke with teammates about his decision, emphasizing the support he received. “It’s a selfish sport. You’ve got to look out for yourself,” he explained. While some may think the team will struggle without La Sasso, Malloy is confident they’ll rise to the challenge.
Michael’s journey reflects not just personal ambition but also a shift in how young golfers view their careers. As professional leagues like LIV Golf gain traction, more players may choose similar paths, reshaping the landscape of competitive golf.
For more on LIV Golf and its impact on the sport, you can explore insights from Golf Digest’s exploration of the league.
