Adversity on the Course: Ole Miss Golf Team’s Challenges
CARLSBAD, Calif. – As Ole Miss head coach Chris Malloy was gearing up for dinner with friends before the Cabo Collegiate last March, his phone buzzed. It was his assistant, Emerson Newsome, who was at a nearby beach with the team.
A Familiar Pattern
“Hey, we’ve got a problem,” Newsome said. Malloy, accustomed to unexpected challenges since 2019, responded with a resigned, “Of course we do.” Over the years, the team had faced various crises, from a player hitting a bird and losing a ball during the NCAA Stanford Regional to star golfer Michael La Sasso catching a stomach virus during the SEC Championship, which affected his performance. Last spring’s Puerto Rico Classic brought its own troubles, with a flu outbreak among players and Newsome even ending up in the emergency room.
A Painful Incident
When Newsome called to inform Malloy that La Sasso had stepped on a sea urchin, embedding numerous spines in his foot, Malloy quickly contacted a doctor. La Sasso endured four hours of painful spine removal but pushed through the tournament, ultimately finishing T-13 despite Malloy’s suggestion to rest.
Strong Performance at Championships
During the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship, La Sasso showcased resilience with 12 birdies and an eagle, shooting 68-67 and sharing the top spot on the leaderboard with Arizona State’s Connor Williams. Ole Miss, ranked third entering the week, bounced back from a rough start to remain competitive for a spot in the final eight.
Transformation and Growth
Initially not a standout recruit at North Carolina State, La Sasso transferred to Ole Miss and has evolved into a consistent player known for making birdies and hitting fairways. He’s on track for his PGA Tour debut in July and aims for a place on the U.S. Walker Cup team. This summer promises to be better; following a stomach illness last year, he lost weight and struggled with his game.
Overcoming Mental Hurdles
After failing to rank in the top 50 the previous summer and dealing with a back injury just before the U.S. Amateur, La Sasso returned to Oxford feeling defeated. With the advice of his assistant coach and former Ole Miss golfer Braden Thornberry, he learned to focus on his performance rather than accolades.
The Path Forward
“He just has to be him,” Malloy emphasized about La Sasso, who is reminded to stay focused on the present while avoiding hazards like sea urchins.
