NCAA champion loses Masters eligibility after taking 'rare opportunity' with LIV Golf

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Every golfer's dream is to play at Augusta National, and Michael La Sasso had a chance to live it. 

But he turned it down.

La Sasso, who won the NCAA individual title last year at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California, forfeited his Masters eligibility after joining LIV Golf Tuesday.

Reigning NCAA individual champions are eligible to play in the following year's Masters if they remain amateurs. La Sasso’s deal with the Saudi-backed league makes him a professional golfer, however, no longer making him eligible to play at Augusta.

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Michael La Sasso of the University of Mississippi poses with the champion's trophy on the 18th hole during the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa May 26, 2025, in Carlsbad, Calif.  (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

Last year's Masters field had 21 criteria, including the reigning NCAA champion, but La Sasso does not fit into any of the others.

"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," La Sasso said in a statement. "LIV Golf allows me to compete at the highest level on a global stage, and I thrive in a team environment, especially one with the camaraderie and support that defines HyFlyers GC. My focus is on learning, continuing to improve and doing everything I can to help our team succeed."

Michael La Sasso of Team United States plays his shot from the sixth tee in Sunday foursomes during Day 2 of the 50th Walker Cup at Cypress Point Club Sept. 7, 2025, in Pebble Beach, Calif.   (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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