{"id":383370,"date":"2026-01-22T02:40:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T02:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/383370\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T02:40:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T02:40:11","slug":"ncaa-champ-forfeits-masters-eligibility-after-signing-with-liv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/383370\/","title":{"rendered":"NCAA champ forfeits Masters eligibility after signing with LIV"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Every golfer’s dream is to play at Augusta National<\/a>, and Michael La Sasso had a chance to live it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But he turned it down.<\/p>\n

La Sasso, who won the NCAA individual title last year at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California, forfeited his Masters eligibility after joining LIV Golf<\/a> Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Reigning NCAA individual champions are eligible to play in the following year’s Masters if they remain amateurs. La Sasso\u2019s deal with the Saudi-backed league makes him a professional golfer, however, no longer making him eligible to play at Augusta.<\/p>\n

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\"Michael <\/p>\n

Michael La Sasso of the University of Mississippi poses with the champion’s trophy on the 18th hole during the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa May 26, 2025, in Carlsbad, Calif.\u00a0 (Joe Scarnici\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Last year’s Masters field had 21 criteria<\/a>, including the reigning NCAA champion, but La Sasso does not fit into any of the others.<\/p>\n

“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 in a statement. “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. My focus is on learning, continuing to improve and doing everything I can to help our team succeed.”<\/p>\n

\"Michael <\/p>\n

Michael La Sasso of Team United States plays his shot from the sixth tee in Sunday foursomes during Day 2 of the 50th Walker Cup at Cypress Point Club Sept. 7, 2025, in Pebble Beach, Calif. \u00a0 (Luke Hales\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

LIFE-SIZE STATUE OF GOLF LEGEND SEVE BALLESTEROS STOLEN FROM HIS SPAIN HOMETOWN<\/a><\/p>\n

HyFlyers GC is captained by Phil Mickelson, who was one of the first golf stars to join LIV in 2022.<\/p>\n

La Sasso attended Ole Miss<\/a> and helped the Rebels to an eighth-place finish in the team competition. He finished two strokes ahead of Phichaksn Maichon of Texas A&M to take home the title.<\/p>\n

He defeated Jos\u00e9 Luis Ballester of Arizona State by six strokes. Ballester joined LIV shortly after last year’s Masters, which he earned entry to as the 2024 U.S. Amateur champion.<\/p>\n

\"Michael <\/p>\n

Michael La Sasso of the University of Mississippi poses with the champion’s trophy on the 18th hole during the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Omni La Costa Resort Spa May 26, 2025, in Carlsbad, Calif.\u00a0 (Joe Scarnici\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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La Sasso competed in last year’s U.S. Open<\/a> at Oakmont but missed the cut.<\/p>\n

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