Angela Stanford has been named as the captain of the 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup team, where she will lead the U.S. side against Europe in the Netherlands. Stanford, a three-time assistant captain and six-time Solheim Cupper, will be taking on the role of captain for the first time in her career. She is succeeding Stacy Lewis, who led the U.S. team in consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, with the event returning to even years for the upcoming tournament. The U.S. team, led by Lewis, has seen an influx of young talent and veteran leaders, including Nelly Korda and Megan Khang. Stanford will be tasked with leading the U.S. side to their first road victory in a decade, as the Solheim Cup has historically featured less of a home-field advantage compared to the Ryder Cup.
Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands will provide a unique challenge for the American side, as they look to secure a win on foreign soil. Stanford is well-prepared for this challenge, having served as an assistant captain at the 2023 Solheim Cup in Spain, and playing a key role in the U.S. team’s last road victory in 2015 in Germany. Stanford expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to lead the U.S. team in 2026, calling it the pinnacle of her career. Her promotion to captain comes after a successful 24-year career on the LPGA Tour, where she won seven times, including a major victory at the Evian Championship in 2018.
Interim LPGA Commissioner Liz Moore praised Stanford’s appointment as captain, highlighting her leadership qualities both on and off the course. Moore is confident that Stanford will lead her team to a successful week in the Netherlands. Stanford is honored to join a list of her heroes in the game and is looking forward to representing her country at the Solheim Cup. As the pinnacle of her career, Stanford is prepared to lead the U.S. team to victory and continue the tradition of excellence in the Solheim Cup.
Stanford’s appointment as captain marks a significant milestone in her professional career, adding another accolade to her already impressive resume. Her experience as a player and assistant captain makes her well-suited for the role of leading the U.S. team in 2026. With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership on the team, Stanford will have the opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation of American golfers. Her dedication to her teammates and her passion for the game make her a perfect fit for the captaincy position.
As the Solheim Cup approaches in 2026, the U.S. team will be counting on Stanford to provide strategic guidance, motivation, and support to help them secure a victory. The competition against Europe will be fierce, but with Stanford at the helm, the U.S. team is in good hands. Her leadership style, experience, and commitment to teamwork will be essential in navigating the challenges of the tournament and rallying the team to perform at their best. Stanford’s appointment as captain has received widespread support and enthusiasm, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive Solheim Cup in the Netherlands next year.
