Allyson Bell will be a rising first year at the University of Alabama pursuing a degree in Biology with a pre-veterinary track. Bell hopes to attend vet school after earning her bachelor’s degree and work towards her goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Bell also received the 2026 LPGA Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship.
"I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship from the AGA," said Bell. "Having dedicated mysef to golf since the age of five, it is an honor to see my commitment recognized while also allowing me to continue my educational journey and pursue academic excellence."
Jay Wilson is an incoming first year at Columbus State University where he will play on the Men’s Golf Team. While attending, Wilson will pursue a degree in Education. He hopes to become a golf coach or a PGA Professional after his playing career ends.
“The Alabama Golf Association Scholarship means a lot to me because it helps [me to] not focus so much on the financial stress that college can bear,” said Wilson. “[It] allows me to focus more on my academic and athletic goals. Being chosen also feels like recognition of my hard work and dedication on and off the golf course. It motivates me to continue improving in all areas of my life.”
William Wryosdick will be a rising first year at Auburn University pursuing a degree in Poultry Science and a minor in Animal Sciences. Wryosdick hopes to attend vet school after receiving his bachelor’s with the goal to become a large and small animal veterinarian.
Wryosdick expressed that "it is an extreme honor to receive this Scholarship from the Alabama Golf Association. These funds will help me pay for my undergraduate degree at Auburn University and achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity this scholarship affords me and excited to take the next step in my collegiate career.”
Joey Dzwonkowski, scholarship committee chair and AGA President, played a pivotal role in leading the AGA Scholarship initiative this year. Alongside Dzwonkowski through the selection process was AGA Vice President Susan West, AGA Board Members Joey Holley and Bernadette Beavers-Forrest, and AGA Assistant Director of Golf Operations & Championships, Karl Yergey. Dzwonkowski presented Bell with her certificate at Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s awards ceremony on May 1st. Holley presented Wrysodick with his certificate at Kinston High School’s awards ceremony on May 7th and presented Wilson with his award at Elba High School’s awards ceremony on the 14th.
Through a thorough academic, athletic and values based process, the committee selected Bell, Wilson and Wryosdick to be the 2026 AGA College Scholarship Recipients.
Effective in 2022, the AGA Women’s Scholarship, now called the AGA College Scholarship, is open to both male and female applicants. 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 young golfers. Since 1993, the program has supported students across Alabama in their pursuit of post-secondary degrees.
The purpose of the AGA College Scholarship fund is to provide financial assistance to young golfers to support their successes in higher education. Selected students will receive $3,000 per semester for eight consecutive semesters toward their academic aspirations.
The program is funded through golf tournaments, fundraisers, and individual and club donations. Visit the Alabama Golf Foundation page to learn more about how you can donate today and support golfers in higher education.
The AGA Scholarship fund currently supports ten students, in addition to this year's recipients.
Visit the AGA College Scholarship page for more information about the funding goals, recipients and upcoming opportunities.
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 125 member clubs represented by over 33,500 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. A full-time professional staff of seven individuals handles day-to-day activities.
Based in Hoover, the AGA is the USGA's Allied Golf Association in Alabama conducting national championship qualifying, administering the World Handicap System including the GHIN Handicap service, course & slope rating, and Rules of Golf & Handicapping education. The AGA annually conducts 24 championships; and team match competitions for men, women, junior and seniors. The AGA manages the Junior Golf Alabama program that is a joint venture between the AGA and Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section.
In addition to competitions, the AGA administers the AGA Scholarship Fund through the Alabama Golf Foundation that is dedicated to assisting young golfers in higher education. Additionally, the Alabama Golf Foundation supports the Youth on Course Alabama program providing facility access to junior golfers and provides funding for the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. In 2016, the AGA earned the Gold Tee Award for “Outstanding Tournament Operations – Small Association” by the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA).
Since 1980, the AGA has managed the affairs of the Southern Golf Association which includes conducting the historic 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:
Alison Williams
Manager of Media, Marketing & Communications
Alabama Golf Association
205-979-1234
alison@alabamagolf.org
