Ole Miss NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso has joined LIV Golf, signing with HyFluxers GC led by Phil Mickelson ahead of LIV’s season opener in Riyadh.

By leaving college and amateur status, La Sasso jeopardizes his 2026 Masters eligibility and potential Augusta National invite that would have stemmed from his amateur status.

The move represents a financial and competitive gamble for La Sasso and LIV, with long-term outcomes tied to his pro development and LIV’s roster strategy.

The decision centers the broader debate about tradition versus money in golf, splitting fans between viewing it as a lucrative opportunity or a loss of a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

David Puig is noted as a comparable player in style or potential, illustrating LIV’s recruitment pattern.

The transfer underscores perceived weaknesses in the PGA Tour, which has shifted to high-reward, limited-field Signature Events that may limit paths for rising players.

External links accompany the piece, offering offseason LIV coverage and commentary on signing strategies.

La Sasso’s move includes taking guaranteed money and a defined pathway to professional opportunities, including potential Masters eligibility and PGA Tour links via LIV.

LIV’s recruitment trajectory shows a pattern of bringing in younger players and comparing LIV’s model to PGA Tour pathways.

Had he stayed in college, he could have pursued PGA Tour or Korn Ferry membership based on performance, highlighting a major trade-off in leaving the collegiate route.

The piece situates Masters eligibility, LIV contracts, and players’ career paths within ongoing LIV vs. PGA Tour debates.

La Sasso posted strong scoring averages (69.51 as a junior, 69.25 as a sophomore) and had a track record of consistency.