"Masters Forfeited"... NCAA Champion from the US Joins LIV Golf

LaSasso Gives Up Chance to Play in This Year's Masters
Joins Mickelson-Led High Flyers GC
"Saw Opportunity to Learn from Great Players"

Michael LaSasso of the United States, the 2025 NCAA Men's Golf Champion, has decided to forgo participating in this year's Masters Tournament.

On January 20 (local time), LIV Golf announced, "LaSasso will play as a member of the High Flyers Golf Club, led by Phil Mickelson of the United States," adding, "LaSasso is a highly talented and promising player."

Phil Mickelson (left), captain of the High Flyers Golf Club, and Michael LaSasso, who is newly joining the team, are posing. Provided by LIV Golf

Born in 2004, LaSasso played for the University of Mississippi golf team and claimed the individual title at last year's NCAA Men's Championship. Had he maintained his amateur status, he would have been eligible to compete in this year's Masters. However, by joining LIV and declaring his intention to turn professional, he lost his eligibility to participate in the Masters.

Last year, LaSasso also represented the United States in the Walker Cup, a men's amateur golf competition against Great Britain and Ireland. He played in five PGA Tour events last year, making the cut only at the 3M Open, where he finished tied for 44th. He also competed in the US Open as an amateur but missed the cut.

LaSasso stated, "I could not pass up the opportunity to learn from great players," and added, "LIV Golf will allow me to compete at the highest level on the global stage." Mickelson, who will be playing alongside LaSasso, praised him by saying, "He is one of the most anticipated young players in golf. Every time he tees off, his desire to win is evident."

The 2026 LIV Golf season will kick off on February 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.