NM State senior women’s golfer Emma Bunch has been named a 2026 Ambassador for the ANNIKA Development Program, according to an announcement on April 14 by The ANNIKA Foundation and Old Barnwell.
The selection is significant because the program supports recent graduates of college golf programs as they move into professional golf. Each year, four or five candidates are chosen through a competitive process that includes application reviews and interviews by a selection committee.
Bunch joins Tillie Claggett of Vanderbilt, Kary Hollenbaugh of Ohio State, Megan Propeck of Florida, and Kelly Xu of Stanford in this year’s class. “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.
Annika Sörenstam, founder of the ANNIKA Foundation and an 11-time major champion said: “This program is all about creating opportunities. 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 facilities and resources from the program for three years. They also get complimentary housing during at least their first year and an annual $10,000 stipend to help with tournament fees and travel expenses. Additional benefits include networking opportunities with members and staff at Old Barnwell; access to experts in fitness, nutrition, mental health; medical support; mentorship sessions from Annika Sörenstam; among other advantages.
Bunch reflected on her selection: “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. 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.” Nick Schreiber, Founder of Old Barnwell said: “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. We are thrilled to welcome this new class of incredible young women into our community at Old Barnwell.”
Currently preparing for the Conference USA Championship scheduled for April 20-22 in Frisco, Texas at Stonebriar Country Club, Bunch aims for her third consecutive individual title there with NM State Women’s Golf team.
Throughout this season she has achieved two top-five finishes including sharing first place at The Clash at Boulder Creek where she shot eleven under par helping her team set a new program record score over three rounds (844). She has also placed within top ten five times this season without finishing lower than tied twelfth in any event played so far.
In her collegiate career so far Bunch counts fifteen top-five finishes overall plus twenty-three within top ten placements along with nine tournament wins—including five consecutive titles during her sophomore year.
