NCAA Champion Says Access to Phil Mickelson Drove a Career-Defining Decision
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250411 Phil Mickelson of the United States during the second round of the 2025 Masters Golf Tournament on April 11, 2025 in Augusta. Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRAN / kod PA / PA1008 bbeng golf masters the masters augusta us masters *** 250411 Phil Mickelson of the United States during the second round of the 2025 Masters Golf Tournament on April 11, 2025 in Augusta Photo Petter Arvidson BILDBYRAN kod PA PA1008 bbeng golf masters the masters augusta us masters PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxFINxDEN Copyright: PETTERxARVIDSON BB250411PA163
Two weeks ago, on Tuesday, January 20, LIV Golf signed NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso.
The Ole Miss senior Michael La Sasso chose to leave college golf before his final semester and turn professional, committing to HyFlyers GC, captained by Phil Mickelson, for the 2026 season.
“As a part of a team that’s with Phil, somebody that’s had so much experience, I feel like he’ll be able to answer any question that I throw at him.” La Sasso said when asked about his decision to join LIV Golf.
July 27th, 2025: Michael La Sasso of the United States looks on from the 18th during the final round of the 3M Open 2025 at TPC Twin Cities on July 27th, 2025 in Blaine, Minnesota. -CSM Blaine USA - ZUMAc04_ 20250727_zma_c04_394 Copyright: xStevenxGarciax
July 27th, 2025: Michael La Sasso of the United States looks on from the 18th during the final round of the 3M Open 2025 at TPC Twin Cities on July 27th, 2025 in Blaine, Minnesota. -CSM Blaine USA - ZUMAc04_ 20250727_zma_c04_394 Copyright: xStevenxGarciax
Following that decision, La Sasso addressed the move publicly for the first time on Tuesday. He spoke ahead of LIV Golf’s season opener in Riyadh, outlining the factors that led him to begin his professional career at this stage.
Explaining his decision to join LIV Golf, Michael La Sasso said his goal from a young age was to play professional golf.
La Sasso added, “I feel like he'll be able to answer any question that I throw at him [Phil], to have the ability to be able to ask somebody that on a daily basis, that played a very big part in it for me because not every 21-year-old has the opportunity to be able to ask questions to those people. So that was a big factor for me.”
With LIV Golf now receiving OWGR recognition on Feb 3, albeit with conditions attached, is Michael La Sasso satisfied with the decision he made?
Does Michael La Sasso still stand by his move to LIV Golf
“I think so far, I’m so grateful that I made the decision, and I am very happy to be here,” La Sasso said during the press conference.
Following his win at the NCAA Championship last May, Michael La Sasso faced mixed results.
In PGA Tour appearances, he made one cut in five starts, finishing T-44 at the 3M Open, and did not advance to the weekend at the U.S. Open.
He also posted a 1–2 record at the Walker Cup, making him the only U.S. player with a losing mark at the event.
During the fall season, his participation with Ole Miss was limited to two stroke-play starts, where he placed 18th and 23rd.
As part of his move to LIV Golf, La Sasso gave up a spot in the 2026 Masters. Despite that trade-off, he said the decision was made with the belief that the environment could support the next stage of his development.
What’s your take on Michael La Sasso’s move? Follow Club Golf for more updates!
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu