FSGA standouts Bella Dovhey and Sophia Dyer brought their friendship, and some seriously strong golf, to the national stage last week at the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship, advancing to the semifinals in a memorable run. Teaming up for the first time in a USGA Championship, the two Team Florida players turned heads in what they would describe as some of the most fun they’ve ever had on the golf course.
Both Dyer and Dovhey are decorated FSGA players, each player having captured an FSGA Championship to put on their resume. Dyer is the reigning Women’s Amateur Champion, and Dovhey won the 2020 Futures Championship. Each has notched Florida Junior Tour victories, and both point to the FSGA as a major part of their development, “We’re very lucky to be able to compete in FSGA events, they have the most competitive fields on incredible golf courses” stated Dovhey,.jpg)
“They definitely have helped us prepare to play on the big stage.”
Their friendship proved to be a competitive advantage as well as an emotional one. They leaned on each other throughout the week, not only on their scorecard but most importantly, in their mindset. “I think the fact that we are such good friends was a huge advantage. We were able to play so freely knowing that we have each other’s backs and it’s okay if we have a rough hole.” Dyer recalled, “I think our games complement each other well, I was able to play pretty aggressive and free all week because Bella is such a fighter and always finds her way to a good score.”
Their on-course routine was filled with just about anything but golf. That levity was part of what made them so dangerous in match play, “We’re giggling the whole time and singing songs together. I think this is such an advantage, it kept us so stable and happy all week no matter what was going on in our round,” Dyer recalled.
Yet, there was still a strategy. Often where one would play it safe and the other would play more aggressively. This came from a deep understanding of one anothers games. Dyer made an ode to how creative Dovhey is, complimenting how her mind on the golf course is something very special. Dovhey was just as quick to praise her partner, “The part of Sophia’s game that I admire most is her ability to perform under pressure and how well she handles herself on the golf course.” There is no doubt that years of competition and camaraderie gave them a foundation of trust.
As they reflected on their journeys so far, both players showed a maturity that goes beyond their years. For Dovhey, it’s been about embracing the process and trusting herself.
“I've always played tournaments with the desire to win, but as I've gotten older, the competitions have become more difficult, and winning isn't always the outcome,” she said. “I've started to focus more on the process of getting better and only worrying about what I can control, such as my preparation and mindset.”
Dyer shared a similar perspective. “I have become a much more confident and free player since last year. Being able to play loose and carefree has made such a difference in my scores and mental game.”.jpg)
The future is bright for both rising stars. Dovhey is aiming to win the Florida Girls’ Junior Championship at Streamsong and help lead Circle Christian to a 1A State Championship. She’ll also compete in the North & South Women’s Amateur and the FSGA Women’s Amateur, with an eye on match play runs.
Dyer hopes to qualify for the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur for a third consecutive year. “USGA events are so special,” she said. “It would be incredible to go back.”
The duo also commented on how special it is to represent Florida golf on the big stage. “We are so proud to be a part of Team Florida and it was really cool to be able to wear the logo all week,’ Dyer stated.
Their semifinal run at the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball is already a highlight in two impressive young careers. But beyond the scorecards and match play victories, it was the joy of friendship and the love of the game that defined their week.
And if their performance is any indication, Bella Dovhey and Sophia Dyer aren’t done shining, they’re just getting started.
