Ole Miss’s Michael La Sasso Makes Stunning LIV Decision That Sees Masters Invite, PGA Tour Membership Slip Away

The mood around LIV Golf has been notably sour lately, with Brooks Koepka choosing to depart and Bryson DeChambeau offering comments that raised serious doubts about his long-term commitment, yet the Saudi Arabia-backed league scored a meaningful victory Tuesday by securing the services of Michael La Sasso.

La Sasso, the current NCAA individual national champion from Ole Miss, has officially inked a multi-year deal to join Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC. He is expected to make his professional debut with the team in February at the circuit’s season-opening tournament in Saudi Arabia. (RELATED: Illinois Sees 15% Decline In Sports Betting After Tax Hammers Gambling Community)

“I’m incredibly excited to join HyFlyers GC and take this next step in my career,” said LaSasso in a press release that was shared by LIV Golf. “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, 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.”

La Sasso, 21, made six appearances on the PGA Tour in 2025 while still competing as an amateur, but his move to join HyFlyers GC will mark his official transition to professional status — a choice with significant implications.

Welcome to the team, 2025 NCAA Individual Champion, Michael La Sasso!#HyFlyersGC #LIVGolf #michaellasasso pic.twitter.com/VzhNXFB6FU

— HyFlyers GC (@HyFlyers_GC) January 20, 2026

Although the most obvious draw of signing with LIV Golf has been the promise of substantial, guaranteed money upfront, it’s reasonable to conclude that La Sasso’s decision was far from straightforward, especially considering the prestige and financial upside tied to his recent national championship.

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, La Sasso had earned a direct exemption into the 2026 Masters Tournament as the champion, but he has now relinquished that coveted spot by electing to turn pro and align with Mickelson’s LIV team. (RELATED: Tom Brady Could Potentially Push Raiders In Direction Of Blockbuster Trade For Lamar Jackson)

Forgoing a guaranteed invitation to golf’s most prestigious major championship —a lifelong goal for virtually every rising player — could not have been an easy call. That said, the combination of a lucrative financial package and the chance to compete alongside a legend like Mickelson carries considerable weight.

La Sasso also held the No. 3 position in the PGA Tour University Rankings. Had he returned to Ole Miss for another strong collegiate season, he would have been in prime position to claim the No. 1 spot, which guarantees PGA Tour membership for the rest of the year. A finish inside the top 10 would have secured him a full membership into the Korn Ferry Tour.