The landscape of the Solheim Cup continues to take shape with key leadership announcements on both sides of the Atlantic. Angela Stanford has been officially named captain of Team USA for the 2026 contest, set to be held in the Netherlands, while, separately, Angela Ding has been appointed as an assistant captain for the U.S. Team competing in the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup.
Stanford Steps into the Captaincy
Stanford’s appointment, first announced in March of 2025, marks a significant step in her already impressive involvement with the Solheim Cup. A six-time participant for Team USA, her playing career spanned from 2003, with a consistent presence from 2007 onwards. She was a key member of three victorious U.S. Teams, including the 2015 triumph on European soil – a particularly noteworthy achievement. Prior to assuming the captaincy, Stanford served as an assistant captain for the last three contests, gaining valuable experience alongside Pat Hurst in 2021 and Stacey Lewis in the 2023 event held in Spain, which ended in a historic 14-14 tie.
Her most recent role was as an assistant during Team USA’s 15.5-12.5 victory over Europe last September. The 47-year-old now takes on the full responsibility of leading the American team at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11-13, 2026. The appointment signifies a continuation of trust in Stanford’s leadership and strategic acumen within the U.S. Solheim Cup program.
Ding to Support Next Generation
On the junior front, Angela Ding’s selection as assistant captain for the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup underscores a commitment to developing young talent within the American golf pipeline. The LPGA, the governing body for the tournament, highlighted Ding’s experience and dedication to junior golf development when announcing her appointment on .
The PING Junior Solheim Cup is a crucial event in the women’s golf calendar, providing a platform for promising young players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. It pits the best young female golfers from the United States against their European counterparts. Ding will bring her expertise and leadership to the team as they prepare for the competition.
The Solheim Cup: A Transatlantic Tradition
The Solheim Cup itself is a biennial, transatlantic team match-play competition that pits the 12 best European players from the Ladies European Tour (LET) against the 12 best U.S. Players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. The event has grown into a prestigious showcase of women’s golf, combining sporting excellence with national and continental pride.
The selection of both Stanford and Ding reflects a strategic approach by the LPGA to both compete at the highest level in the senior Solheim Cup and nurture the next generation of American golfers. Stanford’s experience and proven leadership will be vital as Team USA aims to retain the trophy against a formidable European side. Meanwhile, Ding’s involvement in the Junior Solheim Cup demonstrates a long-term investment in the future of American women’s golf.
Anna Nordqvist will lead Team Europe at the 2026 Solheim Cup, setting the stage for a compelling contest between two highly motivated teams. The Netherlands will host the event, promising a vibrant atmosphere for players and fans alike. The 2026 Solheim Cup is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment for women’s golf, with both teams poised to deliver a thrilling competition.
The LPGA continues to provide updates and information regarding the Solheim Cup, including details on the qualifying format and player profiles. Fans can stay informed through the LPGA’s official website and Sky Sports coverage.
