Second Class Of Ambassadors For ANNIKA Development Program Announced

Four college golf standouts to receive training resources and accommodations at Old Barnwell Golf Club beginning in late 2024 to further pursue professional careers.

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 22, 2024) – The ANNIKA Foundation announced today the selection of its second class of ambassadors for the ANNIKA Development Program at Old Barnwell Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina. The program, announced in December 2022, furthers the foundation’s mission to provide opportunities for women to excel in both golf and life by providing an opportunity for a select group of up-and-coming golfers who are no longer NCAA eligible to continue their pursuit of a professional career.

The four ambassadors selected for the program’s first year are:

·       Anna Morgan, Furman University

·       Caley McGinty, The Ohio State University

·       Anna Zanusso, University of Denver

·       Kajsa Arwefjall, San Jose State University

All four women were selected due to a combination of their golf talent, financial need, and demonstration of exceptional leadership, personal character, and dedication throughout their college careers.

"We are excited to be welcoming this next group of players as part of the program’s second year," said Annika Sorenstam, founder of the ANNIKA Foundation. “Not only do they hold the talent needed to play against the best in the world but also the characters to become exceptional leaders and role models for future generations.”

Through the program, each ambassador will have access to practice and play at Old Barnwell while also receiving training from its professional staff. They also will receive housing for the first year of the program and a $10,000 per year stipend to cover tournament fees and travel. Annika will act as a mentor to each of the women throughout their time in the development program.

As part of their residency, the program ambassadors will play and interact with club members as well as the opportunity to give back by participating in an ANNIKA Foundation “Share My Passion” clinic for young girls.

“At Old Barnwell, our mission is to bring people together through golf, and that includes creating programs that empower, invite, and celebrate people and communities historically underrepresented in the sport,” said Nick Schreiber, founder of Old Barnwell. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Annika and the ANNIKA Foundation and cannot wait to see what these four young women are able to achieve on and off the course.”

Here is what the 2024 ambassadors had to say about their selection for the program:

“Being a part of the Annika Development program at Old Barnwell means the world to me. As a Swedish golfer I have looked up to Annika ever since I was little, not only for her golf but also for the way she gives back to the golf community. I can’t wait to do the same for others. I love the philosophy behind Old Barnwell and the Annika foundation and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to give back to golf with them. I’m honored and excited for this next step to my professional career and to share my love for the game with others!” – Kajsa Arwefjall

“I’m so incredibly honored to be one of the 4 selected ambassadors in the Annika Development program. Annika has done and continues to do so much for the game and is a role model for so many, including myself. I am excited to see her commitment to the ANNIKA Foundation now joined with Old Barnwell bring opportunities to female professional golfers. I hope to be a great ambassador for the ANNIKA Foundation and Old Barnwell and positively impact the game a fraction of the way Annika has.” – Anna Morgan

I am so grateful to be a part of the Annika development program! Being part of a program rooted in giving back to the game, as well as providing opportunities to players aspiring to compete at the next level is something I’m extremely thankful for in my transition into professional golf. – Caley McGinty

Being chosen as an ambassador for the Annika Foundation Development Program at Old Barnwell is truly remarkable. This selection is not just an honor, but also gives me a way to give back to the foundation for all the support and opportunities they've provided me, and to the game of golf. I'm excited to share their passion for golf worldwide and I can't wait to see what we achieve together as I start my professional career. – Anna Zanusso

For more information about the ANNIKA Development Program, click here.