Angela Stanford has been officially appointed as the captain of the U.S. Solheim Cup team, taking the reins to guide a youthful ensemble of American golfers who are fresh off a victory. The challenge ahead is significant, as they aim to secure a win overseas for the first time in over ten years.
Stanford was part of the last U.S. team to clinch the cup on foreign soil, achieving this triumph in Germany in 2015 under the leadership of Juli Inkster. In her recent past, Stanford has served as an assistant captain for three tournaments, including a noteworthy victory in Virginia last September. The U.S. team, at the time, was relatively inexperienced, with most of the players having never tasted victory at the Solheim Cup.
Reflecting on the Virginia win, Stanford remarked, “It was crucial for the players to experience that feeling. It was a significant moment for many of them, and hopefully, it has ignited a drive to win overseas.” The forthcoming competition in 2026 is set to take place at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, with Anna Nordqvist of Sweden announced as the European captain.
At the age of 47, Stanford boasts an impressive career with seven LPGA Tour victories, including a major win at the 2018 Evian Championship. She has participated in 98 consecutive major tournaments, setting a record in LPGA history. Additionally, her track record in the Solheim Cup includes six appearances, balancing wins and losses equally. As an assistant, she has contributed under the leadership of Pat Hurst and Stacy Lewis in recent years.
Stacy Lewis captained the team for two consecutive years, owing to scheduling changes caused by the pandemic, leading to a prominent victory in Virginia. During her recent assistant captaincy, which included a tie in Spain where the European team retained the cup, Stanford realized her ambition of becoming a captain herself.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Stanford stated, “I’ve always had the dream of captaining a team overseas. I have fond memories of winning championships abroad. I enjoy the challenge of performing in less familiar, sometimes challenging environments.”
The core of the current U.S. team includes standouts like Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, both of whom have claimed multiple major championships. The last competition featured nine American players in their 20s, highlighting the team’s youth and potential. Although changes are expected within the team, as seen in the period between the 2023 and 2024 matches, Stanford is optimistic about the core group’s strength and camaraderie.
“I consider myself fortunate to be part of such a talented core,” Stanford expressed. “They are still in the early stages of their careers and performing remarkably well.”
Regarding veteran player Lexi Thompson, who has indicated a more selective playing schedule after 2024, Stanford remains open to her joining the 2026 team, provided her performance justifies it. “Lexi has earned the right to make her own decisions,” Stanford stated. “I’ll be keeping an eye on her. She is a player whose presence and performance are always noteworthy.”