HOOVER, AL (Nov. 3, 2022) – The Alabama Golf Association (AGA) announces a significant change to its college scholarship application eligibility effective immediately. The AGA’s college scholarship program is now open to both male and female applicants that meet the eligibility requirements.
 
Started in 1993 by the Women’s Alabama Golf Association (WAGA) and later transitioned to oversight by the Alabama Golf Association with the merger in 2010, the program has provided over $410,000 in scholarships to many young women.  Earlier this year, the AGA Board of Directors combined the AGA Women’s Scholarship Fund assets with the Alabama Golf Foundation to increase investment in both young women and men from Alabama to financially assist with furthering their higher education goals. Currently, the program is funding six scholarships for young women to pursue their college degrees.
 
“After years of discussion and planning, we are proud to expand our scholarship opportunities to both female and male applicants,” said Andy Priest, AGA Executive Director. “Through the strength of the Alabama Golf Foundation, we can now explore offering additional scholarships and higher funding amounts to make an even more significant financial impact on a young person’s ability to reach their higher education goals.”
 
The AGA College Scholarship is currently valued at $20,000 over the course of four years (eight semesters); recipients are awarded $2,500 per semester. Scholarship recipients must attend an accredited college or university, be enrolled as a full-time student (no less than 12 hours per semester) and meet certain academic benchmarks.
 
“Expanding scholarship opportunities aligns with the Alabama Golf Foundation’s vision to use the game of golf as a vehicle to positively impact an individual’s life and their communities across the state,” noted Chris Marr, AGA Scholarship Committee Chair.
 
To be eligible for the AGA College Scholarship program, applicants must:
●               Be a graduate of an accredited secondary school and show evidence of academic excellence, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and community service.
●               Need financial assistance to pursue an undergraduate education at a college or university.
●               Have an interest in the game of golf.
●               Be a bona fide resident of the State of Alabama.
 
Scholarship applications for the Fall 2023 school year opens on Thursday, November 3, 2022 and closes on Tuesday, March 23, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. To apply online, click here. Additional questions or inquiries may be directed to Adam Powell, Director of Women’s Golf, and scholarship program manager at 205-979-1234 or email: adam@alabamagolf.org.
 
About the Alabama Golf Association (AGA)
The Alabama Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1915 whose mission is to serve and promote amateur golf in Alabama. AGA membership consists of over 115 member clubs represented by over 25,000 individuals. The activities and services of the Alabama Golf Association are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of Alabama golfers who wish to serve the game and the association through service.
 
AGA is the USGA's liaison for golf in Alabama conducting national championship qualifying, administering the USGA Handicap system including the GHIN Handicap service, course & slope rating and education. The AGA annually conducts 23 championships and team match competitions for men, women, juniors, and seniors. The AGA also conducts Alabama high school golf championships and assists with many collegiate events including the SEC Men's Golf Championship. In addition to competitions, the AGA administers the AGA Women's Scholarship Fund that is dedicated to assisting young female golfers in higher education and supports the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation.
 
Since 1980, the AGA has managed the affairs of the Southern Golf Association which includes conducting the Southern Amateur Championship and Southern Junior Championship, in conjunction with the Board of Directors of the Southern Golf Association.
 
For more information about the Alabama Golf Association, visit www.alabamagolf.org.  
Media Contact:
Savannah Snowden
Manager of Media, Marketing & Communications
Alabama Golf Association
205-803-6524
savannah@alabamagolf.org