AIKEN, S.C. – NM State senior women's golfer Emma Bunch has been selected as a 2026 Ambassador for the ANNIKA Development Program, The ANNIKA Foundation and Old Barnwell announced on Tuesday morning.
 
"The ANNIKA Development Program is a special opportunity for me to learn, grow, and challenge myself alongside other talented players, while being surrounded by a strong community at Old Barnwell, guided by mentors, and hopefully inspire others along the way," said Bunch.
 
In its fourth year of existence, the ANNIKA Development Program is uniquely designed to support recent graduates of college golf programs as they transition into professional golf. Each year, four or five eligible candidates are selected through a competitive process that includes a thorough application review and finalist interviews conducted by a selection committee.
 
Along with Bunch, this year's class includes Tillie Claggett of Vanderbilt, Kary Hollenbaugh of Ohio State, Megan Propeck of Florida and Kelly Xu of Stanford.
 
"This program is all about creating opportunities," said Annika Sörenstam, 11-time major champion and founder of the ANNIKA Foundation. "We're proud to support these talented young women as they pursue their dreams in professional golf. Their potential is limitless, and we're honored to be part of their journey."
 
Ambassadors receive access to Old Barnwell's premier golf facilities and the resources of the ANNIKA Development Program for three years. Additional benefits include complimentary housing during the first year (at a minimum), a $10,000 annual stipend to assist with tournament fees and travel, professional networking opportunities through Old Barnwell's members and staff, access to various experts, including fitness, nutrition, mental health, and medical, among others benefits and mentorship sessions from Annika.
 
"This opportunity means a lot to me as I move into the next stage of my career because it allows me to keep improving while learning from great mentors and those around me," Bunch explained. "It's a chance to be part of something bigger than just my own game. I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow and see how far I can go."
 
"Partnering with the ANNIKA Foundation to support some of the best amateurs in the world as they transition into professional golf is one of the most rewarding things we get to do at Old Barnwell," said Nick Schreiber, Founder of Old Barnwell. "We are thrilled to welcome this new class of incredible young women into our community at Old Barnwell."
 
Bunch and the Aggies are currently preparing for the Conference USA Championship set to take place on April 20-22 in Frisco, Texas, at Stonebriar Country Club. There, Bunch will look to earn her third consecutive Conference USA individual title.
 
This season, Bunch has turned in a pair of top-five finishes, including a share of the title at The Clash at Boulder Creek, where she shot 11-under to help the Aggies record a program record 54-hole score of 844 (-20). Bunch has also logged five top-10 placements and has finished no lower than tied for 12^th in every event tournament she has played in this season.
 
In her career, Bunch has posted 15 top-five finishes and 23 top-10 results. She has also submitted an impressive nine tournament wins, including five consecutive titles during her sophomore campaign in 2023-24.
 
About the ANNIKA Foundation
Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation to develop, empower, and advance young women around the world through golf and in life.  More specifically, the Foundation provides opportunities in women's golf at the grassroots, junior, collegiate and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of personal development, including living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.
 
Additionally, the Foundation hosts "More Than Golf" sessions and activities throughout the year to educate and promote successful performance beyond the golf course, including topics such as mental health, physical fitness, financial literacy, public speaking, career development, and much more.
 
The Foundation uniquely supports girls through golf at every life stage — led by the greatest female golfer of all-time.  To learn more, please visit annikafoundation.org.
 
About Old Barnwell
Old Barnwell is a mission-focused golf club in Aiken, South Carolina. Through partnerships with organizations like the ANNIKA Foundation and the Evans Scholars Foundation, Old Barnwell is creating programs that empower, invite, and celebrate people and communities historically underrepresented in the game of golf, creating new traditions and a legacy that belong to everyone. 
 
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