Michael La Sasso joins LIV Golf’s HyFlyers GC as 2025 NCAA champion turns pro

Michael La Sasso, the 2025 NCAA champion, has just turned pro and joined Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC on LIV Golf. The 21-year-old rising star from Raleigh, North Carolina forfeits his Masters exemption in an aggressive move toward the professional stage. La Sasso will make his professional debut at February 4-7 at Riyadh Golf Club, becoming one of college golf’s most electric talents to make an immediate LIV Golf leap.

From College Champion to Professional Rising Star

Michael La Sasso has completed one of the quickest transitions from amateur to professional in recent golf history. The Ole Miss junior captured the NCAA championship in May 2025 with an 11-under total, becoming the second individual champion in Rebels history. His decision to leave college immediately and join HyFlyers GC reflects confidence in his abilities and readiness for elite competition.

By turning professional now, La Sasso will forfeit his remaining college eligibility and his coveted Masters invite this April. This bold move suggests the young golfer believes he can succeed immediately on LIV Golf’s global stage alongside established pros.

Record-Breaking Season at Ole Miss

La Sasso’s 2024-25 campaign was historic for the Rebels program. His 69.48 scoring average set a single-season record, shattering previous benchmarks. He earned First Team All-SEC honors and was named a PING First-Team All-American, signaling he belonged in the conversation with golf’s best college players.

Beyond raw scoring, La Sasso demonstrated poise under pressure. He was a finalist for both the Jack Nicklaus Award and Haskins Award, two of college golf’s most prestigious honors. At 21 years old, he showed the maturity and mental strength required to win at the highest amateur level.

HyFlyers GC and Mentorship Under Phil Mickelson

Factor	Details
Team Captain	Phil Mickelson, 55-year-old legend
Teammates	Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale, Andy Ogletree
Debut Tournament	2026 LIV Riyadh, February 4-7
2025 Team Performance	Made LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship quarterfinals

La Sasso joins a veteran HyFlyers GC squad captained by Phil Mickelson. The opportunity to learn from one of golf’s all-time greats was central to his decision. Mickelson, who posted three Top-10 finishes in 2025, brings decades of experience and competitive wisdom that cannot be taught in college golf.

Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale complete the core roster. Tringale secured points in 10 of his 13 starts last season, demonstrating the consistency La Sasso must develop. Together, they create an environment where youth and experience coexist on one team.

The Path Forward: Challenges and Expectations

La Sasso enters professional golf with momentum but also uncertainty. He made six PGA Tour starts as an amateur in 2025, but missed five cuts, including at the U.S. Open. This reality check shows the leap from college to professional is significant, even for champions.

By joining LIV Golf immediately, La Sasso gets to compete against elite fields consistently. He avoids the Q-School grind and PGA Tour status battles. However, expectations will be high, and the learning curve steep. His role with HyFlyers GC is to develop, contribute to team play, and establish himself as a force in professional golf.

What Makes This Signing Significant for LIV Golf’s Future?

La Sasso’s signing signals that LIV Golf attracts top amateur talent willing to turn pro immediately. He represents the next generation of players who view LIV as an attractive alternative to traditional PGA Tour pathways. His age, rankings (13th-ranked amateur), and championship pedigree make him a marquee addition for the league’s long-term growth.

At just 21 years old, La Sasso will spend the next decade building his professional legacy. Whether he becomes a major champion or steady tour competitor, his decision to join HyFlyers GC demonstrates that LIV Golf is now a viable launching pad for golf’s brightest young minds.

“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.”

— Michael La Sasso, 2025 NCAA Champion

Sources

• LIV Golf – Official announcement of Michael La Sasso signing with HyFlyers GC for 2026 season
• Golf Channel – NCAA champion’s departure from Ole Miss and LIV Golf commitment details
• Golfweek – La Sasso’s professional transition and career moving forward