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Every golfer’s dream is to play at Augusta National, and Michael La Sasso had the chance to live it.
But he refused.
La Sasso, who won the NCAA individual title last year at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California, waived his Masters eligibility after joining LIV Golf on Tuesday.
Reigning NCAA individual champions are eligible to compete in the following year’s Masters if they remain amateurs. La Sasso’s deal with the Saudi-backed league makes him a professional golfer, but no longer makes him eligible to play at Augusta.
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Michael La Sasso of the University of Mississippi poses with the champion trophy on the 18th hole during the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa on May 26, 2025, in Carlsbad, California. (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Last year’s Masters field had 21 criteria, including the reigning NCAA champion, but La Sasso didn’t fit into any of the others.
“This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in football history, and I do not take this lightly,” La Sasso said in a statement. “LIV Golf allows me to compete at the highest level on the world stage and I thrive in a team environment, especially one with the camaraderie and support that defines HyFlyers GC. I am focused on learning, continuing to improve and doing everything I can to help our team succeed.”
Michael La Sasso of Team USA plays his shot from the sixth tee during Sunday foursomes on day two of the 50th Walker Cup at Cypress Point Club, September 7, 2025, in Pebble Beach, California. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
LIFE-SIZE STATUE OF GOLF LEGEND SEVE BALLESTEROS STOLEN FROM HIS NATURAL TOWN IN SPAIN
HyFlyers GC is led by Phil Mickelson, who was one of the first golf stars to join LIV in 2022.
La Sasso attended Ole Miss and helped the Rebels finish eighth in the team competition. He finished two strokes ahead of Phichaksn Maichon of Texas A&M to win the title.
He beat José Luis Ballester of Arizona State by six strokes. Ballester joined LIV shortly after last year’s Masters, at which he earned entry as the 2024 U.S. Amateur champion.
Michael La Sasso of the University of Mississippi poses with the champion trophy on the 18th hole during the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Omni La Costa Resort Spa on May 26, 2025, in Carlsbad, California. (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Sasso competed in the U.S. Open last year at Oakmont but missed the cut.
