DETROIT (May 22, 2025) – The Rocket Classic announced today that University of Mississippi junior and top-ranked amateur Michael La Sasso has received a sponsor exemption to compete in the 2025 tournament, scheduled for June 25-29 at Detroit Golf Club. La Sasso is set to make his PGA TOUR debut at the Rocket Classic after receiving a surprise invitation from tournament representatives.
La Sasso is 11th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and fourth in the Scoreboard powered by Clippd men’s collegiate ranking. A two-time First Team All-SEC selection for the Rebels, he led the team with a scoring average of 69.51 in the 2024-25 season while helping them to their first No. 1 ranking in program history.
Recognized for his talent, La Sasso was selected to represent Team USA in the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup for a second consecutive year. He was also one of 10 collegiate golfers named as finalists for the 2024-25 Haskins Award to acknowledge the country’s top male golfer. Additionally, his achievements have earned him a spot on the watch list for the 2025 Ben Hogan Award, presented annually to the country’s top collegiate player.
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, La Sasso attended St. David's School in Raleigh and earned medalist honors at the 2021 North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association State Championship, leading St. David's to the 3A state title.
“Extending this sponsor exemption to Michael is more than an invitation, it’s a celebration of rising talent and the future of golf,” said Mark Hollis, Chief Operating Officer of Rock Entertainment Group. “Since this tournament started in 2019, we have seen a number of amateurs get a start on the PGA TOUR here in Detroit, and we are eager to see what Michael can do as he tests his game against the world’s best golfers.”
La Sasso joins a list of Rocket Classic sponsor exemptions that includes Michigan State’s Ashton McCulloch, Alabama’s Dominic Clemons and the eventual winner of THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Invitational presented by Rocket.
Fans can enjoy the action by purchasing daily grounds and shared hospitality venue tickets atRocketClassic.com. Grounds tickets start at $65 per day, and up to four children ages 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. LendingTree Lounge and Club Ace shared hospitality passes start at $120 and $230, respectively.
For the first time, students will receive special pricing of 31.3% off daily grounds tickets purchased with a valid .edu email address – a nod to Detroit’s 313 area code. On Saturday, June 28, all fans are encouraged to wear their favorite school colors, showcasing their allegiances to their alma maters or favorite teams as the tournament celebrates Collegiate Day.
On Sunday, June 22, admission and parking are complimentary for the final round of THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational presented by Rocket. On Wednesday, June 25, Detroit Community Day includes complimentary admission and parking for fans to enjoy access to exciting pre-tournament events such as the Delta Dental Pro-Am and The First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Golf Clinic.
Since 2019, the Rocket Classic has invested nearly $10 million into local charitable organizations, including contributions to the event’s landmark “Changing the Course” initiative, which has played a vital role in bridging the digital divide in Detroit.
For more information, visit RocketClassic.com.
About the Rocket Classic
The Rocket Classic made history in 2019 as the first PGA TOUR event ever held in the city of Detroit and has continued to make a positive and lasting impact on the city and its residents through its multi-year “Changing the Course” campaign, established in 2020 to end the digital divide in Detroit and ensure digital accessibility for all city residents. The Rocket Classic was the most awarded event during the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season, being recognized for “Best Special Event” (then known as the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge) and “Best Tournament Sales” as well as being honored with the first “Fair Way Award” for its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Fair Way Award was bestowed upon the Rocket Classic again in 2023 and 2024, and in 2024 the tournament also received the Best Volunteer Program award. More information is available at RocketClassic.com and on Facebook, X and Instagram (@RocketClassic).