Ole Miss junior Michael La Sasso showed grit and determination during his NCAA golf championship victory at Omni La Costa in California on Monday.
La Sasso overcame two double-bogeys in the final round and erased a two-shot lead at the turn to defeat Texas A&M senior Phichaksn Maichon. With the victory, La Sasso will earn automatic invites to two majors, along with the chance to play in several other tournaments through PGA Tour sponsor invites.
La Sasso Will Play In The 2025 U.S. Open and 2026 Masters
The Ole Miss golfer will play in the 2025 U.S. Open and likely the 2026 Masters, where he’ll showcase his grit against the best players in the world.
Not too long ago, La Sasso finished 191st in the U.S. Amateur but turned his career around by working with a performance coach. Entering the NCAA Championship, he recorded two wins and nine top-13 finishes before adding a national title to cap off an impressive season.
“I’ve personally fought [a lot] of stuff these last two years since I’ve been at Ole Miss,” La Sasso told the Golf Channel. “And I feel like I’m a pretty gritty guy.”
The moment Mike became a National Champ! 🏆#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/q9GAjAEHOe
— Ole Miss Men’s Golf (@OleMissMGolf) May 27, 2025
Ole Miss Earns Trip To Golf Channel Event With Semifinals Appearance
La Sasso isn’t the only one celebrating his individual championship — his teammates are too.
La Sasso’s win helped Ole Miss grab the eighth and final spot in the team match play bracket. Together, they defeated No. 1-seeded Arizona State in the quarterfinals with the national champion in the anchor spot against Sun Devils star Preston Summerhays.
They will be ed in the semifinals by No. 2 Oklahoma State, No. 7 Florida, and No. 9 Virginia. The final four teams typically get an invite to the East Lake Cup, which airs live on the Golf Channel.
The final four typically — maybe always — gets invites into the East Lake Cup (4-team Golf Channel event) the following season. Ole Miss likely locked that up now, too.
— Chase Parham (@ChaseParham) May 27, 2025
La Sasso and his teammates will also have the opportunity to cash in a few more NIL checks following their performance this week. The national champion already has an NIL deal with lifestyle brand Johnnie-O and TaylorMade Golf.
La Sasso’s Unique Swing Is Fun To Watch
La Sasso has a unique swing and sense of style on the course, making him fun to watch. His swing path is unorthodox but he generates a ton of power using his lower body.
Michael La Sasso is the NCAA Men’s Champion!
What a swing! Super cool move.
Not sure on the whole short shorts movement, however. pic.twitter.com/gnuRCLOr2N
— Rick Golfs (@Top100Rick) May 27, 2025
But his raw power wasn’t the only thing that drew attention from fans during the individual championship.
His short shorts made him an internet sensation too.
Michael La Sasso of Ole Miss just won the national title, and did it with painted on shorts. He may or may not squat cars when he’s not playing golf.
Can’t teach talent like that. pic.twitter.com/40CjJ0wQg5
— Mark Harris (@itismarkharris) May 27, 2025
Spectators were intrigued by his style of play, which should make him one of the most interesting amateur players to watch at Oakmont in a few weeks.
The 2025 U.S. Open begins on June 12th and it will be the first time that many golf fans get a chance to see the Ole Miss star in action.
Despite the aesthetics of his swing, a lot of fans are already “all in” on La Sasso having a productive career on the PGA Tour.
All in on Michael La Sasso. He will probably need reconstructive back surgery at 30 but we’re gonna have some great years on tour before then. And when you swing it like that, idgaf how short ya shorts are
— Beam v2 (@bottleofbeamv2) May 27, 2025
La Sasso’s improbable rise from struggling amateur to NCAA champion has captured the attention of golf fans nationwide. Whether it’s the short shorts, unconventional swing, or raw talent, Michael La Sasso has quickly become must-watch TV and his story is just getting started.
