Senior Emma Bunch has made history in Aggie women’s golf, from becoming the first NMSU player to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur to earning the 2025 Dinah Shore Trophy. The Lynge, Denmark, native reflects on her journey, career highlights and final season.
Q: You made history as the first Aggie to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April 2025. What was it like stepping onto such an iconic course for the first time?
Bunch: It was surreal, absolutely crazy. I think during the first couple of holes I was not even really on the planet; I was just trying to take everything in and then I had to snap out of that to focus on playing golf. It was so much fun and awesome to represent NMSU at such an iconic event.
Q: You finished tied for 11th in that field of elite players. What was your biggest takeaway from that performance?
Bunch: Even more confidence that I can actually compete with some of the best players in the world, and I think that’s going to help me a lot moving forward.
Q: As a two-time first team All-Conference USA selection and two-time NCAA regional finalist, what do you consider your most memorable moment or win of your Aggie career?
Bunch: I think my first one was a turning point for me. We were playing at Grand Canyon University, and it was a team win, too, so that was super fun. I think showing myself that I can actually win a tournament was huge, and that led to a landslide of wins.
Q: You were honored with the 2025 Dinah Shore Trophy in July 2025 for your remarkable achievements on and off the golf course. How did it feel to receive the national accolade?
Bunch: Unreal, it’s such an honor. It’s only for one collegiate golfer in the entire nation, so just being on that list with some great players and even being in the same sentence as Dinah Shore, she’s such an icon, is just amazing.
Q: How has your game evolved since you first arrived at NMSU?
Bunch: I think mentally I’ve become a lot stronger, and course-management wise I’ve improved a lot. We do a lot with the team, so seeing other players play on a daily basis has helped, too. Also, being able to practice outdoors every day and being in the team environment has been a huge contributing factor to my improvement over the years.
Q: What are your goals, personally and for the team, for your final season in Las Cruces?
Bunch: I definitely want to get another team win, we’ve only had one while I’ve been here, so that would be super fun. I just want to play as well as I can and also give back to the team, try to be a team leader, and make sure the team is in a great spot when I graduate.
Q: What’s your approach to staying focused under pressure in big moments?
Bunch: I try to focus on my breathing a lot. I think that helps so much, because you can easily get distracted by everything else instead of what you should be focusing on. You can think ahead or think of a bad shot you hit, but focusing on my breathing just helps me be in the moment.
Q: Competing at Augusta is a dream for many golfers. What’s next on your personal golf bucket list?
Bunch: It’s hard to top. I definitely want to go back and play in the ANWA next year. That’s a goal for this year. Besides that, my bucket list consists of trying to go pro and play in pro events.
Q: After graduation, are you going to pursue a professional career in golf?
Bunch: I do want to go pro. Being in college has helped me prepare for that. Originally, I didn’t come into college thinking that I wanted to go pro. I thought maybe it was something that I would pursue, but it wasn’t my only dream, so I kept my options open. Now, I think I’m ready and I’m excited. It’s going to be a fun next step.
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