Meet our 2026 ANNIKA Development Program Ambassador Class
- ANNIKA Foundation
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Aiken, S.C. (April 14, 2026) — The ANNIKA Foundation and Old Barnwell are proud to announce the five remarkable young women selected as 2026 Ambassadors for the ANNIKA Development Program. This year’s class includes:
Emma Kaisa Dalgaard Bunch, New Mexico State University
Tillie Claggett, Vanderbilt University
Kary Hollenbaugh, Ohio State University
Megan Propeck, University of Florida
Kelly Xu, Stanford University
Embarking in its fourth year, 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.
As the program welcomes this new class, the ANNIKA Development Program will have supported 19 Ambassadors from 11 different countries since its launch, including our four inaugural Ambassadors who are graduating from the program at the end of the year. The representation of players from various regions of the world is a reflection of the ANNIKA Foundation’s growing global impact and the international reach of its tournaments and programs.
“This program is all about creating opportunities,” said Annika, 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.
“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.”
The selected players expressed both gratitude and excitement as they prepare for the next stage of their careers, emphasizing the program’s role in supporting their transition to professional golf. Emma Kaisa Dalgaard Bunch shared that the opportunity “means a lot…as I move into the next stage of my career,” noting the value of learning from mentors while continuing to grow her game.
For Tillie Claggett, the sense of community stands out as she looks ahead to what can often be an isolating transition. She highlighted her excitement to “be around peers who push me to be better every day” and to build new friendships within the program.
Similarly, Kary Hollenbaugh reflected on the honor of being selected, describing the moment as one filled with “excitement and…good nerves for the future,” while recognizing the belief others have in her potential.
Beyond performance, players also emphasized the program’s broader impact. Megan Propeck noted that the experience is “more than just developing great golfers; it's developing great people too,” with a focus on giving back to the game and inspiring the next generation. Kelly Xu echoed this sentiment, sharing her enthusiasm for contributing to a strong sense of community and camaraderie as she begins her professional journey.
The ANNIKA Development Program reflects a shared commitment by the ANNIKA Foundation and Old Barnwell to invest in the future of women’s golf by fostering excellence, access, and opportunity.
For more information about Old Barnwell, visit oldbarnwell.com.
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.