One of golf’s most promising prospects is spurning the PGA Tour.
Reigning NCAA men’s golf champion Michael La Sasso announced Tuesday he was joining LIV Golf in a big win for the rebel league.
“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.”
La Sasso, 21, will give up his chance to play the Masters in April and his final year of college eligibility at Ole Miss with the decision to turn pro with LIV.
He will join Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC alongside the six-time major winner, Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale.
“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,” a statement from Mickelson read. “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 to HyFlyers GC.”
As an amateur last season, La Sasso played in six PGA Tour events, missing the cut in five of them
At the 3M Open, the only tournament La Sasso played the weekend in, he finished T-44 at 11-under par.
As a junior for Ole Miss, La Sasso helped lead the Rebels to the semifinals of the NCAA team championships.
The La Sasso addition comes at a precarious moment for the Saudi-backed golf league after five-time major winner Brooks Koepka departed LIV to return to the PGA Tour earlier this month.