Former major champion Angela Stanford will lead the United States as captain at the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands.
The 47-year-old has been an assistant captain three times in the biennial competition against Europe, most recently in 2024 under Stacy Lewis. As a player, she competed six times between 2003 and 2015.
Stanford was part of the last American team to win the Solheim Cup on foreign soil, securing the winning point against Suzann Pettersen in Germany a decade ago.
Last September, the U.S. claimed their first Solheim Cup victory since 2017 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. They will now face Anna Nordqvist’s European team at Bernardus Golf from September 11-13, 2026.
“I’m truly honored to be named the next U.S. captain for the Solheim Cup and to follow in the footsteps of my idols,” said Stanford.
“I have always felt that I represent more than just myself on the LPGA Tour, and nothing is more meaningful than representing my country. This is the highlight of my career, and I can’t wait to lead our team in the Netherlands.”
Stanford, a seven-time LPGA Tour winner, retired in 2024 after a 24-year professional career.
She played in 98 straight major tournaments—the longest streak in LPGA history—and won her only major at the Evian Championship at age 40.
During her Solheim Cup career, she recorded three wins and three losses as a player.
