Reigning NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso has signed a multi-year deal with LIV Golf's HyFlyers GC, teaming up with Phil Mickelson. The 21-year-old Ole Miss senior will forfeit his remaining college eligibility and a 2026 Masters exemption to debut in the league's opener in Saudi Arabia. This move highlights LIV's strategy of recruiting young talent amid tightening pathways on the PGA Tour.
Michael La Sasso, who won the 2025 NCAA individual title at The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa by one shot, has left the University of Mississippi before his final semester to join LIV Golf. Ranked No. 3 on the PGA Tour University list, La Sasso was poised for a potential full PGA Tour card but opted for the guaranteed financial security and mentorship offered by LIV's $380 million prize fund for 2026.
The signing, announced on January 20, 2026, surprised many in the golf world. PGA Tour insider Dan Rapaport tweeted, “Did NOT see that one coming.” La Sasso, a first-team All-American for two seasons and a U.S. Walker Cup team member, made six PGA Tour starts as an amateur in 2025, missing five cuts, including the U.S. Open. His most recent appearance at the Sanderson Farms Championship resulted in a two-shot penalty for improving conditions affecting his stroke before missing the cut.
Ole Miss head coach Chris Malloy described the decision as a "no-brainer" financially but noted La Sasso's struggle to leave his teammates. “The timing wasn’t ideal; Mike really struggled with this,” Malloy told Golf Channel. “He’s a team guy, and this was not an easy decision for him.”
Phil Mickelson praised the newcomer: “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. He combines tremendous power and speed with an exceptional feel for the game.” La Sasso expressed excitement about the opportunity: “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. LIV Golf allows me to compete at the highest level on a global stage, and I thrive in a team environment.”
This marks the second consecutive year LIV has signed a top PGA Tour University prospect, following Josele Ballester with Sergio Garcia's Fireballs GC. Critics like Graeme McDowell argue it underscores the PGA Tour's narrowing paths for young players: “The road to the PGA Tour is increasingly perilous and littered with great talent that never made it.” Meanwhile, LIV continues to build its roster with emerging talents like David Puig and Elvis Smylie, even as Brooks Koepka departs for the PGA Tour.
