Angela Stanford, 47, winner of seven LPGA titles, including a Grand Slam title at the 2018 Evian Championship, will captain Team USA in the next edition of the Solheim Cup, when the Americans will defend their title against Europe at Bernadus Golf Club in Cromvoirt, Netherlands, from September 11-13, 2026.
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Stanford will then face 37-year-old Swedish Anna Nordqvist, who was appointed European captain last month, replacing Norwegian Suzann Pettersen. Nordqvist is still an active golfer and is the only non-American to have won Grand Slam titles in three different decades: the LPGA Championship (2009), the Evian Championship (2017), and the British Championship (2021).
Stanford takes over the top position of the U.S. team after serving as vice-captain for the last three editions, first assisting Pat Hurst (2021) and then Stacy Lewis (2023, 2024), whom she replaces as the new captain.
Stanford retired last year after 23 seasons competing on the American circuit, the most prestigious in the world. She holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam titles (98 between 2002 and 2024), a testament to the quality and consistency of her career, although she ultimately only won one major, the aforementioned Evian in 2018.
As a player, Angela competed in six editions of the Solheim Cup (2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015) and won three times (2007, 2009, 2015). In 2015, she was the final hero, securing the point that confirmed the US victory after defeating Suzan Pettersen in her singles match (2 and 1).
“I am incredibly grateful to be named the next U.S. Solheim Cup captain and join the list of my heroes in golf. I have always believed I represent more than just myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honor than representing your country. I consider this the pinnacle of my career and look forward to leading our players in the Netherlands in 2026,” said Stanford.
“Angela Stanford will undoubtedly be a wonderful captain for Team USA at the 2026 Solheim Cup,” said LPGA Interim Commissioner Liz Moore. “Angela has always been a spark on and off the field, a true leader and a dedicated teammate. Now it’s her time to take the reins of the team, and I have no doubt she’ll lead her team to a successful week in the Netherlands,” Moore added.
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