Team USA captain Angela Stanford has publicly reassured fans and teammates that Angel Yin will be healthy enough to compete against Team Europe in this week’s Solheim Cup, and she remains confident that her squad can secure an away victory on Dutch soil. Yin, who has not completed a full 72‑hole event since May, missed the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open in June and subsequently withdrew from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship later that month because of illness. Despite these setbacks, Stanford believes the 27‑year‑old still possesses the talent and determination to contribute meaningfully as the United States seeks to retain the trophy at Bernardus Golf.
Yin’s recent health challenges have been significant. After missing the cut at the U.S.
Women’s Open, she was forced to pull out of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship midway through the tournament due to a stomach ailment that caused her to lose roughly 2.5 stone in weight. Even though she was unable to finish those two major championships, she still managed to finish second on the U.S. Solheim Cup points list, a testament to her strong performances earlier in the season, including two LPGA Tour victories. Her recent form includes a missed cut by 13 strokes at the FM Championship, yet Stanford emphasizes that Yin’s presence at the event is a positive sign and that she has already completed two practice rounds.
"She’s here and she has played two practice rounds," Stanford said at the press conference. "She will play, because that’s in the spirit of this competition. Every Solheim Cup we have a captain’s agreement that outlines how many matches each player should contest.
In recent years we’ve made sure that everyone gets at least one match before the Sunday singles. We’re still monitoring her condition, but she’s happy to be here and ready to compete." The captain’s confidence is echoed by the broader team. Lilia Vu, a former world No. 1 who clinched the decisive half‑point in the United States’ 2024 victory, was spotted in her Team USA uniform during Tuesday’s practice session in the Netherlands.
Vu could serve as a last‑minute option if the lineup needs to be adjusted, adding depth and experience to a roster that is already strong. The United States is chasing several historic milestones.
A win in the Netherlands would mark the first Solheim Cup triumph on European soil since 2015 and would give the Americans back‑to‑back titles for the first time since 2017. Stanford believes the team’s mental toughness and unity will be key.
"When you play in Europe, you have to be mentally strong and you have to function as a cohesive unit," she explained. "I truly believe they have that. They’re all on the same page.
We’ve been discussing the challenge leading up to this event and we’ll continue the conversation before Thursday night’s matches. There’s nothing more I need to say to them because they already want to win as much as I do." Stanford also highlighted the quality of golf on display.
"The golf itself is so good you’ll see great shots. The real question is what you have deep down that can push you across the finish line," she said. She added that the players appear to be settling in well, learning the nuances of the Bernardus course, and hitting impressive shots.
"They’re not peaking yet, but they’re getting comfortable. I hope we see them leading each session, starting Friday morning," Stanford noted.
For fans wanting to follow the action, Sky Sports Golf will provide extensive coverage. The network plans at least 12 hours of live broadcast over the first two days, beginning at 6 a.m. local time on Friday and Saturday, with the opening foursomes tee‑off at 6:40 a.m.
(7:40 a.m. local). The afternoon four‑ball sessions are slated for 12:05 p.m.
(1:05 p.m. local) on both days, and coverage will continue through the final putt.
Sunday’s singles matches start at 9 a.m., with the first tee‑off at 10:10 a.m. Sky Sports+ will also stream the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
on Sunday, following the crowning of the Solheim Cup champion, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. will reveal the day‑one pairings. The question on everyone’s mind is which side will ultimately claim the Solheim Cup. Viewers can watch Team Europe’s attempt to regain the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days of competition—September 11‑13—broadcast on Sky Sports Golf.
Those interested in additional golf experiences can also explore offers for booking rounds at over 1,700 courses throughout the UK and Ireland, ensuring that the excitement of the Solheim Cup extends beyond the television screen.