Angel Yin has openly addressed the health challenges that have threatened her participation in this year’s Solheim Cup, emphasizing that she would never put Team USA’s chances of an overseas victory at risk. As one of the automatic qualifiers on the United States points list, Yin has been slated to join captain Angela Stanford’s squad, which is aiming to retain the trophy at Bernardus Golf and secure the first away win over Europe since 2015. The 27‑year‑old American has not completed a full 72‑hole tournament since May and has only entered a single LPGA event since June. That appearance ended in a missed cut, with her score falling 13 strokes short of the qualifying line after returning from an undisclosed stomach ailment.
The illness has taken a physical toll, causing Yin to lose more than two and a half stone in weight and casting serious doubt on her ability to compete at the highest level. During the pre‑tournament press conference, Yin was candid about the doubts she faced. "Yes, of course I thought about not playing," she said. "It sounds crazy that I’m here because I played a week ago in Boston and my performance was far from ideal.
Rounds of 81 and 76 are not the kind of numbers you want to bring to a competition that decides the fate of the Cup for America." She went on to explain the mental and physical work she has been putting in to recover. "I’ve been training hard, trying everything I can because this is the biggest event in women’s golf. The Solheim Cup is now in its 20th edition, and the pressure is enormous. I wanted to be honest with myself, my team, and especially with Angela.
She’s the only person besides my family who I’ve kept fully updated throughout this process." Yin described a pivotal conversation with Stanford that ultimately convinced her to stay on the roster. "We all agreed that I should be here. I asked my caddie to check with the captain: ‘Do you want me to play?’ If she had said no, I would have respected that decision and stepped aside. But she said yes.
Her belief and confidence gave me the assurance I needed to show up and compete." Stanford, for her part, reiterated her confidence in Yin’s ability to contribute, even as former world No. 1 Lilia Vu – who secured a crucial half‑point in the 2024 victory – stood by as a potential last‑minute alternate. Yin took advantage of an extra practice session on Wednesday, playing the front nine alone before joining the rest of the U.S.
contingent on the back nine. The two‑time LPGA winner reported that her game was showing encouraging signs as the event approached.
"I feel great," Yin said after the session. "Everyone has their own opinion, but I think my game is solid and improving daily. Golf is an art; results are what matter in the end. I can be as confident as I want, but ultimately the captain makes the final call.
I just have to do my part and wait for her decision. Whatever she decides will be the right one because we trust her leadership." Yin’s performance in a practice match further silenced skeptics.
Partnered with Yealimi Noh, she helped the U.S. duo defeat Alison Lee and Megan Khang.
Lee praised Yin’s work ethic, noting, "Angel is playing great golf. She’s putting in the effort, probably the hardest work out there. She earned her spot and is giving everything she has, so there’s nothing but positive things to say about her." The Solheim Cup coverage will be extensive on Sky Sports Golf, with at least twelve hours of live broadcasting over the first two days. The opening foursomes begin at 6:40 a.m.
local time on Friday, followed by afternoon four‑ball matches at 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m.
local). Sunday’s singles start at 9 a.m., leading into the final tee‑off at 10:10 a.m. Sky Sports+ will stream the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, while the opening ceremony and pairings reveal will be broadcast on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Fans eager to see whether Team USA can defend the Cup or if Team Europe will reclaim it can follow all three days of action live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13. Additional streaming options are available through NOW with no‑contract plans, and viewers can also explore the latest Sky Sports deals for more ways to watch the competition.
In summary, Angel Yin’s journey to the Solheim Cup has been marked by a serious health setback, a substantial weight loss, and a period of limited competitive play. Yet her determination, the unwavering support from captain Angela Stanford, and her recent practice performances have all contributed to a narrative of resilience and commitment. Yin’s statement that she would "never jeopardise America" underscores her dedication to the team’s goal of securing a historic away victory, and the upcoming matches will reveal whether her confidence and preparation translate into the decisive points the United States needs to retain the coveted trophy.