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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.<\/p>\n
In one of the most surprising developments<\/a> of the early 2026 golf season, reigning NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso<\/a> has signed with LIV Golf<\/a>, choosing to join Phil Mickelson<\/a>\u2019s HyFlyers GC<\/a> rather than pursue the traditional PGA Tour path\u2013even at the cost of forfeiting his invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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\u2019s 2026 season alongside seasoned pros and team captains like Mickelson.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and I don\u2019t take that lightly,\u201d La Sasso said. \u201cLIV 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.\u201d<\/p>\n From NCAA Glory to Professional Gamble<\/p>\n La Sasso\u2019s 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<\/a> trophy, a victory that traditionally brings automatic entry into the following year\u2019s Masters.<\/p>\n \u201cStaying in the States and going through PGA Tour U and PGA Tour all of that, they\u2019re probably a lot less guarantees at this point for some of these guys,\u201d Chris Malloy, Ole Miss golf coach, said. \u201cSo I think that stability, pathway going forward for him was probably a little bit too much to pass up.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to his collegiate success<\/a>, La Sasso gained experience competing in multiple PGA Tour events as an amateur, even making the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open<\/a>. But rather than chase the still-challenging road to a PGA Tour card, he opted for certainty.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a coach, certainly we want to compete for national championships, team championships, all those things,\u201d Malloy said, \u201cbut you also want to see your guys develop and taste and achieve their dreams. And this is part of that process.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the timing is unfortunate, certainly, but again very proud and very happy for Mike.\u201d<\/p>\n LIV\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cTo learn, to be mentored by somebody with the resume of Phil, that\u2019s a big deal for some of these golfers,\u201d Malloy said. \u201cAnd while I think that LIV may miss on a lot of things, I think that\u2019s 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\u2019 teams that have done it before.\u201d<\/p>\n Mickelson\u2019s Influence and LIV\u2019s Next-Gen Strategy<\/p>\n La Sasso\u2019s addition to HyFlyers GC<\/a> fits squarely within LIV Golf\u2019s broader strategy of signing emerging young talentto bolster its ranks and build for the future.<\/p>\n Mickelson, who himself has been one of the most high-profile figures in the LIV Golf movement, praised La Sasso\u2019s competitive drive<\/a>, athletic capabilities, and potential to grow within the unique format that LIV offers.<\/p>\n \u201cMichael is one of the most exciting young players in the game today, bringing a competitive fire that\u2019s evident every time he tees it up,\u201d Mickelson said. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n A Sign of Golf\u2019s Evolving Landscape<\/p>\n La Sasso\u2019s\u00a0choice to forgo the Masters<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n According to GOLF.com, \u201call 57 [LIV] players are also paid, and each tournament awards $22 million in the individual competition (along with $8 million to the teams).\u201d<\/p>\n Though La Sasso\u2019s offer is not public, when asked about the deal, Malloy said,\u00a0\u201cFinancially, a number that you can\u2019t turn back from.\u201d<\/p>\n