Angel Yin found herself wrestling with the prospect of sitting out the Solheim Cup after battling a lingering stomach illness, yet she remained resolute that she would "never jeopardise" Team USA's chances of clinching an away victory in the Netherlands. Yin earned her spot automatically through the United States Solheim Cup points list, joining captain Angela Stanford's roster as the team aims to defend the trophy at Bernardus Golf and to secure its first overseas triumph over Europe since 2015. At 27, Yin has not completed a full 72‑hole tournament since May.
Since June she has entered only one LPGA event, where she missed the cut by a staggering 13 strokes upon returning from an undisclosed gastrointestinal issue. The illness forced her to shed more than two and a half stone, prompting doubts about her fitness for the high‑stakes competition.
Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she received from captain Stanford while she deliberated over her Solheim Cup status. When reporters asked whether she ever considered withdrawing, Yin answered candidly at the pre‑tournament press conference: "Yes, of course. I know it's crazy that I'm here because I played a week before in Boston and it obviously wasn't great. It wasn't ideal.
Those rounds of 81 and 76 are not the kind of scores you want to bring to a team that hopes to bring the Cup home for America." She continued, "I've been working hard, I've been trying everything I can, because this is the biggest event in women's golf. We know this is going to be a big deal, because this is the 20th Solheim Cup. I wanted to be honest, because I would never jeopardise America. I had honest talks with myself in the mirror, with my team, and obviously with Angela [Stanford].
She's the only other person – other than my family – that I've updated throughout all of this." Yin explained that the captain's confidence played a pivotal role in her decision. "We all agreed on this and she wanted me here. I had my caddie ask her: 'Do you want me here?' And if she had said no, I wouldn't be here.
But she said yes. With belief like that and confidence from her to back me, why wouldn't I show up?" she said. Stanford reaffirmed on Tuesday that Yin would indeed take part for Team USA, even though former world No.
1 Lilia Vu – who secured a crucial half‑point in the 2024 victory – was present in uniform as a possible last‑minute alternate. Yin took advantage of an extra practice session on Wednesday, playing the front nine alone before joining the rest of the squad on the back nine. The two‑time LPGA winner noted that her game was showing encouraging signs as the pivotal week approached.
"I'm feeling great," Yin reported. "I guess everybody has different opinions, but I personally think my game is not bad. Every day it's getting better.
I guess it's like art, right? Everybody has a different opinion, but results are the only thing that matters." She added, "I can say and be confident as much as I want, but ultimately it's up to the captain, because she needs to be responsible for us. I just need to do my part and then I just need to wait for her call. Whatever she does and whatever she says will, in my opinion, be the best decision because we trust her and she's been leading us great." During a practice match, Yin teamed with Yealimi Noh to defeat Alison Lee and Megan Khang.
Lee was visibly impressed by Yin's performance despite her limited recent competitive play. "Angel is playing great golf," Lee said. "She's working hard, she's putting in the work, and she's probably working the hardest out here.
She wants to make the reps, wants to put in the effort. She's obviously earned her spot here and she's doing her best to give her best, so there's nothing but great things to say about her." The broadcast schedule for Sky Sports Golf promises extensive coverage of the opening two days, beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, with the first foursomes tee‑off at 6:40 a.m.
(7:40 a.m. local time). The afternoon four‑ball sessions are slated for 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m.
local), and coverage will continue through the final putt. Sunday singles action starts at 9 a.m., with the opening tee‑off at 10:10 a.m. Sky Sports+ will stream the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, following the crowning of the Solheim Cup champions, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
will reveal the first‑day pairings. The Solheim Cup, now in its 20th edition, pits the United States against Europe in a biennial showdown that has grown into one of women's golf's most prestigious events. Team USA, seeking to retain the trophy on foreign soil for the first time since 2015, faces a European squad eager to reclaim the honor. The competition consists of a blend of foursomes, four‑ball, and singles matches over three days, with each point contributing to the overall tally.
A total of 28 points are available, and the first team to reach 14½ points wins the Cup; in the case of a 14‑14 tie, the defending champion retains the trophy. Yin's participation underscores the depth of the American roster and the captain's willingness to back players who demonstrate resilience and commitment, even when recent form is hampered by health setbacks. Her story adds a human dimension to the high‑stakes drama, illustrating how personal adversity can intersect with national pride on the world stage. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, with additional streaming options available through NOW without a contract, ensuring that viewers worldwide can witness the unfolding battle for the Solheim Cup.
The tournament promises intense competition, strategic captaincy decisions, and moments of individual brilliance that could shape the legacy of women's golf for years to come.