Mark Schlabach
Angela Stanford, who competed within the Solheim Cup six instances as a participant and served as a vice captain up to now three, will captain the U.S. staff when it takes on Europe within the Netherlands subsequent 12 months, the LPGA introduced Thursday.
Stanford, whose seven LPGA Tour victories included a serious title on the 2018 Evian Championship, retired from full-time aggressive golf after the 2024 season.
The following Solheim Cup will probably be performed Sept. 11-13, 2026, at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.
“I believe being American, residing on this nation, has given me alternatives that I do not know the place you may have anyplace else on this planet,” Stanford instructed ESPN. “I’ve gotten to dwell this dream to be knowledgeable golfer, and now I get to symbolize the pink, white and blue once more. I really like being an American, and I’ve cherished taking part in for my nation, and I will love representing my nation once more.”
Stanford replaces Stacy Lewis, who guided the U.S. staff to a 1-0-1 document up to now two Solheim Cups. The Individuals received 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. staff has an 11-7-1 document since 1990, although the American squad has a 3-6 document exterior the U.S.
“You do not win a lot over there,” Stanford stated. “I’ve at all times wished to be a captain abroad due to the problem that it presents. I form of love the ‘it is us towards the world’ feeling, and so I am trying ahead to it. I do know it should be a rowdy crowd. I do know it should be quite a lot of enjoyable, however I really 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 a beautiful captain for the U.S. staff on the 2026 Solheim Cup,” interim LPGA commissioner Liz Moore stated in a press release. “Angela has at all times been a spark on and off the course, a real chief and a devoted associate to her teammates. It is now her time to take the helm of the U.S. staff, and I’ve little doubt that she is going to lead her squad to a profitable week within the Netherlands.”
Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, a taking part in vice-captain up to now two Solheim Cup matches, was named captain of the European staff 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.
