Michael La Sasso’s homecoming to Mississippi started with fireworks, but it wasn’t without controversy. The Ole Miss standout and reigning NCAA champion, playing as the lone amateur in the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship, was assessed a two-shot penalty during Thursday’s opening round at The Country Club of Jackson.

The Ruling

On the par-4 sixth hole, La Sasso was deemed to have violated Rule 8.1a, which prohibits improving one’s lie, area of intended stance, or swing. Initially carding a par, the infraction elevated his score from a 4 to a 6 on the hole. Instead of posting what would have been a sparkling 6-under 66 and a spot in solo fifth, the adjustment left him at 4-under 68.

Even with the penalty, La Sasso sits just three shots off the lead, tied for 13th in a crowded field.

A Local Favorite

The 21-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite this week thanks to his Mississippi ties. With only one collegiate event on Ole Miss’s schedule taking place in the state, La Sasso said he relishes any chance to compete in front of a home crowd.

“There’s a lot of people that have come up to me so far this week that are Ole Miss alums,” La Sasso said before the tournament began. “Being around a good group of people, I’m really fortunate to be here.”

This marks La Sasso’s sixth PGA Tour start, but none have carried the same home-state resonance. The crowd support has been noticeable, with clusters of fans in red and blue cheering him on.

Early Leaderboard Outlook

Day one ended with a four-way tie at the top, as Eric Cole, Sam Ryder, Garrick Higgo, and Danny Walker each posted 7-under 65s. While La Sasso’s adjusted score took him out of the top five, his play remains strong enough to keep him within striking distance heading into Friday.

The Bigger Picture

The Sanderson Farms Championship itself faces an uncertain future, with speculation that this could be the final year the PGA Tour hosts an event in Mississippi. That storyline adds weight to La Sasso’s presence: a homegrown talent performing in front of local fans while representing the state’s golf pedigree.

Regardless of where he finishes, La Sasso’s opening round demonstrated why he’s one of the most promising amateurs in the game—resilient, confident, and unshaken even when the rules don’t break his way.