Angela Stanford, who competed within the Solheim Cup six occasions as a participant and served as a vice captain previously three, will captain the U.S. crew when it takes on Europe within the Netherlands subsequent 12 months, the LPGA introduced Thursday.
Stanford, whose seven LPGA Tour victories included a significant title on the 2018 Evian Championship, retired from full-time aggressive golf after the 2024 season.
The following Solheim Cup will likely be performed Sept. 11-13, 2026, at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.
“I feel being American, residing on this nation, has given me alternatives that I do not know the place you’ll be able to have anyplace else on this planet,” Stanford informed ESPN. “I’ve gotten to dwell this dream to be an expert golfer, and now I get to characterize the crimson, white and blue once more. I like being an American, and I’ve cherished enjoying for my nation, and I will love representing my nation once more.”
Stanford replaces Stacy Lewis, who guided the U.S. crew to a 1-0-1 document previously two Solheim Cups. The Individuals gained 15 ½-12 ½ at Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership in Gainesville, Virginia, in September for his or her first victory since 2017. The European squad retained the cup with a 14-14 tie the earlier 12 months at Finca Cortesin in Andalusia, Spain.
The U.S. crew has an 11-7-1 document since 1990, although the American squad has a 3-6 document outdoors the U.S.
“You do not win a lot over there,” Stanford stated. “I’ve all the time wished to be a captain abroad due to the problem that it presents. I sort of love the ‘it is us in opposition to the world’ feeling, and so I am trying ahead to it. I do know it is going to be a rowdy crowd. I do know it is going to be plenty of enjoyable, however I like that setting.”
Stanford, 47, competed in 98 consecutive main championships from 2002 to 2024, trailing solely Jack Nicklaus (154) for consecutive majors performed in skilled golf.
“Angela Stanford will definitely be an exquisite captain for the U.S. crew on the 2026 Solheim Cup,” interim LPGA commissioner Liz Moore stated in an announcement. “Angela has all the time been a spark on and off the course, a real chief and a devoted accomplice to her teammates. It is now her time to take the helm of the U.S. crew, and I’ve little question that she is going to lead her squad to a profitable week within the Netherlands.”
Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, a enjoying vice-captain previously two Solheim Cup matches, was named captain of the European crew Feb. 24. The three-time main champion was on the profitable facet in 4 of her 9 appearances as a participant, capturing 17 victories in her 35 matches.
