In a move that has sent shockwaves through the collegiate and professional golf worlds, reigning NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso has officially announced his decision to turn professional and join LIV Golf. The University of Mississippi senior is set to team up with legendary golfer Phil Mickelson as the newest member of HyFlyers GC. This major announcement, made on January 20, 2026, marks a significant shift in the landscape of amateur golf, as La Sasso forfeits his remaining college eligibility and his highly coveted exemption to the 2026 Masters to compete on the global stage.
The 21-year-old standout has been a dominant force in collegiate golf, and his transition to the professional ranks is being met with immense enthusiasm. By joining the HyFlyers, La Sasso steps immediately into the spotlight, bringing his explosive game to a team format that demands the best from its players. The decision to leave Ole Miss mid-season underscores the changing dynamics of modern sports, where top-tier talent is increasingly seizing professional opportunities earlier in their careers.
According to LIV Golf, La Sasso is expected to make his debut at the season-opening event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 4, 2026. His arrival injects a fresh wave of youth and energy into the league, and fans are eager to see how the young champion adapts to the high-stakes environment of professional golf under the mentorship of a six-time major winner.
A Historic Leap to the Pros
Michael La Sasso’s jump to LIV Golf is reminiscent of the excitement surrounding a top-tier draft pick in the NFL or the NBA. Just as franchises look for the next superstar quarterback or point guard to lead them to victory, HyFlyers GC has secured one of the most promising young talents in the game. La Sasso’s 2025 season was nothing short of historic; he captured the NCAA Division I Individual Championship with a stunning 11-under total, becoming only the second player in Ole Miss history to achieve the feat.
According to Sports Illustrated, La Sasso’s breakout campaign included First Team All-American honors and the lowest single-season scoring average in Ole Miss program history at 69.48. While the university is often celebrated for its passionate football culture, La Sasso’s achievements have firmly placed its golf program on the national map. His decision to turn pro now means he will bypass the traditional amateur route to the Masters, a sacrifice that highlights his commitment to his new path with LIV Golf.
Learning from a Legend
The opportunity to play alongside Phil Mickelson was a decisive factor in La Sasso’s choice. In a statement released by the team, La Sasso expressed his eagerness to learn from one of the sport’s icons. “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. “I thrive in a team environment, especially one with the camaraderie and support that defines HyFlyers GC.”
Mickelson, who captains the HyFlyers, was equally effusive in his praise for the new recruit. According to Golf Channel, Mickelson described La Sasso as “one of the most exciting young players in the game today,” citing his “tremendous power and speed” combined with an “exceptional feel for the game.” This mentorship dynamic could prove pivotal as La Sasso navigates the pressures of professional golf, much like a rookie learning from a veteran in soccer or tennis.
The Global Stage and Future Aspirations
Joining LIV Golf offers La Sasso a platform that spans the globe, with events scheduled in various international destinations. This global exposure is akin to the worldwide circuits seen in tennis and the international appeal of major soccer leagues. For a young athlete, the chance to compete against world-class fields in different countries is an accelerator for development and recognition.
While the immediate focus is on the upcoming LIV season, the trajectory of La Sasso’s career could eventually lead to even broader horizons. With golf firmly re-established as an event in the Olympics, young stars like La Sasso represent the future of the sport on every major stage. His performance in the coming months will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, eager to see if his collegiate dominance translates to the professional tour.
In Brief (TL;DR)
Reigning NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso officially turns professional to join Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf team.
This bold move requires forfeiting his college eligibility and a prestigious exemption to the 2026 Masters tournament.
The young standout brings explosive talent to HyFlyers GC and debuts at the season opener in Riyadh.
Conclusion
Michael La Sasso’s decision to join Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC is a bold and exciting step that signals the arrival of a new star in professional golf. By leaving a historic legacy at Ole Miss to test his skills against the world’s best, La Sasso has shown the confidence and ambition that define great athletes. As he tees it up in Riyadh this February, the sports world will be watching to see how high this NCAA champion can fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael La Sasso officially joined HyFlyers GC, the team captained by legendary golfer Phil Mickelson. This move was announced in January 2026 and marks his transition from a standout collegiate career at the University of Mississippi to the professional ranks. He was recruited to bring a fresh wave of youth and explosive energy to the squad, filling a roster spot that demands high-level performance in a team format.
La Sasso forfeited his highly coveted exemption to the 2026 Masters Tournament because the invitation is reserved for amateurs, and he chose to turn professional to join LIV Golf. By signing with HyFlyers GC mid-season, he bypassed the traditional amateur pathway to Augusta National. This significant sacrifice underscores his commitment to his new professional career and the changing dynamics where top talent seizes immediate professional opportunities.
The reigning NCAA champion is expected to make his professional debut at the LIV Golf season-opening event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 4, 2026. This event will be the first time fans and analysts can watch La Sasso compete on the global stage as a member of Phil Mickelson’s team, testing his skills against world-class fields.
During his tenure at Ole Miss, La Sasso achieved historic success, including capturing the NCAA Division I Individual Championship with a stunning 11-under total. He was named a First Team All-American and set a university record with the lowest single-season scoring average of 69.48. His dominant 2025 campaign made him only the second player in the school’s history to win the national individual title.
Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson will mentor La Sasso as the captain of HyFlyers GC. Mickelson has publicly praised the young golfer for his tremendous power, speed, and exceptional feel for the game. La Sasso cited the unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the sport’s greatest icons as a decisive factor in his decision to leave college early and join the professional league.
Sources and Further Reading
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