Phil Mickelson convinces top golf prospect to make | Golf News

NCAA Men’s Champion Michael La Sasso has inked a deal with LIV Golf to compete for Phil Mickelson’s Hy Flyers GC, but sacrificed a Masters invitation in the method.

La Sasso, 21, ranks among golf’s most promising skills and loved a outstanding season at Ole Miss, capturing the person NCAA championship. Mickelson, a seasoned golf skilled, is approaching retirement but has remained engaged in recruiting efforts for his LIV Golf squad as he seeks to construct a championship-caliber lineup.

While Brooks Koepka selected to depart LIV Golf and rejoin the PGA Tour, a transfer that may set off another spherical of transfers in elite golf, La Sasso has jumped instantly to LIV Golf. La Sasso has surrendered his novice standing and won’t compete at Augusta National this yr.

Through his NCAA title victory, La Sasso earned an exemption to take part in the Masters in April. The First-Team All-American will now flip skilled before the 2026 season, and Mickelson is thrilled with the signing.

“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,” Mickelson said.

“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.We’re excited to support his development, accelerate his learning curve, and help him achieve his goals-while he, in turn, makes our team even stronger.”

Along with his collegiate golf duties, La Sasso participated in six PGA Tour occasions last season, efficiently making the cut in one match. He also competed at the U.S. Open, carding 75 in both rounds.

La Sasso’s alternative to be part of LIV Golf means forfeiting any probabilities to accumulate Official World Golf Ranking factors, that are obligatory for major championship participation. Nevertheless, he’s thrilled to be becoming a member of LIV Golf and teaming up with Mickelson.

“I’m incredibly excited to join HyFlyers GC and take this next step in my career,” he said. “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.

“LIV Golf permits me to compete at the very best stage on a global stage, and I thrive in a crew setting, particularly one with the camaraderie and assist that defines HyFlyers GC. My focus is on studying, persevering with to improve, and doing the whole lot I can to help our crew succeed.”

La Sasso brings crew competitors expertise and guided Ole Miss to the semifinals of the NCAA crew championship event last yr. He also wore the Team USA colours at the 2025 Walker Cup.

The 21 yr outdated posted a 1-1 report in foursomes matches during the match, though he fell short in his singles match on the ultimate day. Still, the U.S. dominated with a 17-9 triumph over Great Britain and Ireland.