Reigning NCAA golf champion Michael La Sasso has officially joined LIV Golf, signaling a major turning point in his career and ending his eligibility for the 2026 Masters Tournament. The move marks a high-profile acquisition for LIV Golf, which has increasingly drawn attention by attracting top amateur and professional talent.
La Sasso’s decision to sign with LIV Golf comes on the heels of his standout collegiate season, which culminated in his NCAA championship victory. By turning professional through LIV Golf rather than other traditional tours, La Sasso becomes ineligible for amateur exemptions, including the automatic invitation extended to the reigning NCAA champion to compete in the Masters.
The 2026 Masters, like previous tournaments, follows an invitation-based system with specific qualification criteria. One of those includes a berth for the NCAA individual champion, provided they retain amateur status. La Sasso’s decision to go pro nullifies that qualification.
LIV Golf, which operates independently of tours such as the PGA and DP World Tour, does not yet offer a path for automatic entry into events like the Masters, which is operated by Augusta National Golf Club. LIV Golf’s players have had limited access to major championships unless they meet other world ranking criteria or receive special invitations.
La Sasso joins a growing list of young players opting to begin their professional careers with LIV Golf. The league, backed by substantial financial investment, continues to reshape the landscape of men’s professional golf, fueling ongoing debates about tradition, opportunity, and the future of the sport.
As La Sasso begins the next chapter of his golf journey, he closes the door on participating in one of the game’s most prestigious tournaments this year. His performance with LIV Golf will be closely watched as the league’s season gets underway.
