USA announces 2026 Solheim Cup captain

The USA has announced their captain for the Solheim Cup in 2026, with Angela Stanford set to lead the team.

The six-time player of the event will captain the side for the first time, having served as vice captain on the last three teams.

Now, the recently-retired 2018 Evian Championship winner will captain the American team as they head to Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands in September 2026. She’ll face off against Anna Nordqvist, as the Swede was named as the European captain last month.

“I’m extremely grateful to be named the next American captain for the Solheim Cup and join a list of my heroes in the game. I’ve always believed that I represent more than myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honour than representing your country,” said Stanford. “I consider this the pinnacle of my career, and I’m looking forward to leading our players to the Netherlands in 2026.”

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After playing on the LPGA for 23 years, the 47-year-old retired last year, with a career boasting seven wins on the circuit. As well as her major title at the 2018 Evian Championship, she also went back-to-back at 2023 and 2024 Senior LPGA Championships.

She’ll now be turning her attention to captaincy, hoping to retain the title that the Americans captured in 2024, where Stacy Lewis’s team won 15.5-12.5.

History shows that won’t be easy, however. The USA has only won one of the last four meetings on European soil, with that coming back in 2015.

Interim LPGA Commissioner Liz Moore had this to say on the announcement: “Angela Stanford will certainly be a wonderful captain for the U.S. Team at the 2026 Solheim Cup.

“Angela has always been a spark on and off the course, a true leader and a dedicated partner to her teammates. It’s now her time to take the helm of the U.S. Team, and I have no doubt that she will lead her squad to a successful week in the Netherlands.”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor