Key Highlights
- Ole Miss senior Michael La Sasso is joining Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC.
- La Sasso will miss his final semester and forfeit remaining college eligibility.
- The player, a reigning NCAA individual champion, was expected to debut at the LIV opener in Saudi Arabia next month.
- Mickelson praised La Sasso’s talent, personality, and commitment to team success.
New Chapter for Golf Prodigy: Michael La Sasso Joins Phil Mickelson’s Team
Michael La Sasso, the reigning NCAA individual champion and a standout senior at Ole Miss, is making headlines as he transitions from collegiate golf to the professional ranks. On January 20, 2026, just days after his graduation, La Sasso announced he would be joining Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf team, marking a significant move in his young career.
Leaving Ole Miss
The decision to leave Ole Miss, where he played for three seasons and won the NCAA championship last year, is not without consequence. La Sasso will forfeit his remaining college eligibility and miss his final semester of classes at the university. His departure comes after a successful collegiate career that saw him win multiple tournaments and secure a spot on the U.S. Walker Cup team.
Excited for the Future
In a statement, La Sasso expressed his enthusiasm about the new opportunity: “I’m incredibly excited to join HyFlyers GC and take this next step in my career. 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 also highlighted the team environment and camaraderie he expects to experience with Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC.
Phil Mickelson’s Praise
Mickelson, a legendary golfer himself, spoke highly of his new teammate. “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,” said Mickelson. “He 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.” The HyFlyers GC team is looking forward to welcoming La Sasso as they prepare for their upcoming LIV Golf matches.
Future Outlook
The timing of this transition couldn’t be more auspicious. La Sasso was set to compete at the Masters in April, but his recent exemption from his amateur status will now be forfeited with his move to professional golf. His most recent PGA Tour appearance ended poorly when he received a two-shot penalty for improving conditions affecting his stroke.
However, this setback seems minor compared to the excitement of joining LIV Golf and working alongside Mickelson.
La Sasso’s decision comes at a critical moment in LIV Golf’s expansion into the global golf market. His addition is expected to bolster the team’s performance and attract more attention to their matches. As for La Sasso, he remains focused on learning and contributing to his new team’s success.
The move marks a significant shift in college-to-professional transitions and will be closely watched by both golf enthusiasts and sports fans alike. It’s clear that Michael La Sasso is ready to take the next step in his journey as one of golf’s rising stars.
