Angela Stanford is moving up to the captain’s chair for the U.S. team in the 2026 Solheim Cup, which takes on Europe in the Netherlands next year.

Stanford, 47, competed in the Solheim Cup on six occasions as a player and vice captain in each of the past three.

“I’m extremely grateful to be named the next American captain for the Solheim Cup and join a list of my heroes in the game. I’ve always believed that I represent more than myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honor than representing your country,” Stanford said in an LPGA statement Thursday morning. “I consider this the pinnacle of my career, and I’m looking forward to leading our players to the Netherlands in 2026.

Stanford replaces Stacy Lewis, who guided the U.S. team in the past two Solheim Cups.

“Angela Stanford will certainly be a wonderful captain for the U.S. Team at the 2026 Solheim Cup,” said Liz Moore, interim LPGA commissioner.

“Angela has always been a spark on and off the course, a true leader and a dedicated partner to her teammates. It’s now her time to take the helm of the U.S. Team, and I have no doubt that she will lead her squad to a successful week in the Netherlands.”

Stanford is a Texas native who joined the LPGA Tour in 2001. She has recorded seven career LPGA victories including one major — the 2018 Evian Championship — before retiring from full-time competitive golf after the 2024 season.

The next Solheim Cup will be contested from Sept. 11-13, 2026, at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.

–Field Level Media