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Amateur Michael La Sasso of the United States plays a shot from the fifth tee during the second round of the Sanderson Farms Championship 2025 at The Country Club of Jackson on October 03.
In one of the most surprising developments of the early 2026 golf season, reigning NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso has signed with LIV Golf, choosing to join Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC rather than pursue the traditional PGA Tour path–even at the cost of forfeiting his invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.
The 21-year-old standout, who capped his college career with a record season at the University of Mississippi, stunned the golf world by turning professional with LIV Golf and committing to compete in its team-based league. Instead of teeing it up at Augusta National, La Sasso will begin his professional journey on the global stage of LIV Golf’s 2026 season alongside seasoned pros and team captains like Mickelson.
“It’s a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and I don’t take that lightly,” La Sasso said. “LIV Golf allows me to compete at the highest level on a global stage, and I thrive in a team environment, especially one with the camaraderie and support that defines HyFlyers GC.”
From NCAA Glory to Professional Gamble
La Sasso’s rise through collegiate golf was meteoric. After transferring to Ole Miss, he posted the lowest single-season scoring average in program history and hoisted the 2025 NCAA Individual Championship trophy, a victory that traditionally brings automatic entry into the following year’s Masters.
“Staying in the States and going through PGA Tour U and PGA Tour all of that, they’re probably a lot less guarantees at this point for some of these guys,” Chris Malloy, Ole Miss golf coach, said. “So I think that stability, pathway going forward for him was probably a little bit too much to pass up.”
In addition to his collegiate success, La Sasso gained experience competing in multiple PGA Tour events as an amateur, even making the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open. But rather than chase the still-challenging road to a PGA Tour card, he opted for certainty.
“As a coach, certainly we want to compete for national championships, team championships, all those things,” Malloy said, “but you also want to see your guys develop and taste and achieve their dreams. And this is part of that process.
“And the timing is unfortunate, certainly, but again very proud and very happy for Mike.”
LIV’s offer includes guaranteed income and a clear role on a competitive team, something that few avenues in traditional professional golf can promise for a young player straight out of college.
“To learn, to be mentored by somebody with the resume of Phil, that’s a big deal for some of these golfers,” Malloy said. “And while I think that LIV may miss on a lot of things, I think that’s something that they do have and have done a very good job of it. An allure for these young kids coming out of college is to be on one of those guys’ teams that have done it before.”
Mickelson’s Influence and LIV’s Next-Gen Strategy
La Sasso’s addition to HyFlyers GC fits squarely within LIV Golf’s broader strategy of signing emerging young talentto bolster its ranks and build for the future.
Mickelson, who himself has been one of the most high-profile figures in the LIV Golf movement, praised La Sasso’s competitive drive, athletic capabilities, and potential to grow within the unique format that LIV offers.
“Michael is one of the most exciting young players in the game today, bringing a competitive fire that’s evident every time he tees it up,” Mickelson said. “He combines tremendous power and speed with an exceptional feel for the game. Beyond his talent, his personality, work ethic, and commitment to being a great teammate make him a terrific addition to HyFlyers GC.”
A Sign of Golf’s Evolving Landscape
La Sasso’s choice to forgo the Masters in favor of a LIV Golf contract underscores the shifting priorities for young players. Opportunities for stable earnings, mentorship, and guaranteed playing time are becoming increasingly significant factors in career decisions.
According to GOLF.com, “all 57 [LIV] players are also paid, and each tournament awards $22 million in the individual competition (along with $8 million to the teams).”
Though La Sasso’s offer is not public, when asked about the deal, Malloy said, “Financially, a number that you can’t turn back from.”
Former major champion Graeme McDowell even weighed in on social media, calling LIV Golf “a legitimate pathway” for young talent.
“Hot take, but LIV is a legitimate pathway for young potential superstars who can get paid to be mentored in their young careers by Tour greats and play a guaranteed schedule,” McDowell said. “The road to the PGA Tour is increasingly perilous and littered with great talent that never made it.”
Some on social media argue that giving up a Masters exemption and bypassing the PGA Tour’s competitive meritocracy could limit La Sasso’s long-term legacy.
Golf Insider Dan Rapaport was shocked to learn the news, saying he “did NOT see that one coming.”
Supporters see it as smart career planning in an era where golf’s global ecosystem offers more varied and lucrative opportunities than ever.
“Mike was pretty good about thinking long term and not being as short-sighted,” Malloy said. “Certainly that hurt. I don’t think he ever imagined himself saying, ‘No, no, I’m not going to go play the Masters this year,’ But I’ll give him a lot of credit in that regard. Somebody his age going through all this, he really did a good job of thinking long term.”