Michael La Sasso triumphs over initial challenges, clinching the NCAA Division I Men's Individual Golf Title
Claiming Victory: The Dramatic Final Day at the 2022 NCAA Men's Golf Championship
The final day of the NCAA Division I Men's Individual Championship at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California was a nail-biting affair, with Mississippi's Michael La Sasso holding a precarious two-shot lead.
Hot on his heels was Texas A&M's Phichaksn Maichon, while Arizona State's Connor Williams was five strokes behind La Sasso, aiming to close the gap. The stakes were high, with the winner set to secure starts at the 2026 Masters and US Open, given he remained an amateur.
As for La Sasso, he was eyeing to bring Ole Miss its second individual men's title, following Braden Thornberry's triumph in 2017. Maichon, meanwhile, harbored dreams of becoming Texas A&M's first individual champion.
The battle royale commenced early. Maichon matched La Sasso's pace, drawing level at the top, while the latter swiftly posted a birdie on hole 10 to reach 12-under. Maichon followed suit, reclaiming a share of the lead after an eagle at hole 11.
However, disaster struck for La Sasso, who stumbled with a bogey on hole 13 and a double-bogey on the next, allowing Maichon to take the solo lead. Remarkably, both players co-led again after La Sasso posted a birdie on hole 7. A four-shot gap was quickly established as La Sasso's turbulent start persisted.
A second double-bogey on hole 9 pushed Maichon into the lead. His advantage shrank to one with a bogey on hole 14, and they were tied again shortly after when Maichon faltered with another bogey. Ole Miss' Jackson Koivun, gunning for a PGA Tour card, lurked just two strokes behind.
But La Sasso responded with a mature display, edging back in front with a birdie on hole 13 and maintaining his lead despite a narrow miss on a birdie putt on the next hole. A birdie on hole 15 sealed the deal, as he widened the margin to two strokes, leaving Koivun four shots adrift with three holes to play.
Despite some nerves on hole 16, where he went way off the green, La Sasso showcased his resilience, ensuring a par. He closed out the round with two successive pars, securing college golf's most prestigious honor and leading Ole Miss into the quarterfinals of the team championship alongside Arizona State, defending champions Auburn, the University of Florida, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, the University of Texas, and Virginia.
The quarterfinals of the match play contest will take place the following day, with the semifinals and final happening on the subsequent day. This year's champion, Michael La Sasso, was crowned despite a rollercoaster performance, showcasing his mental fortitude and sheer determination.
Michael La Sasso's victory in the NCAA Division I Men's Individual Championship elevated him to potential starts at the 2026 Masters and US Open, provided he remains an amateur. Meanwhile, golf continues to thrive as a popular sport amid the tension and excitement it brings, such as the nail-biting finale witnessed in this year's tournament.
