Angel Yin has openly discussed the health challenges that have loomed over her participation in this year’s Solheim Cup, emphasizing that she would never put Team USA’s aspirations at risk. The 27‑year‑old American, who earned an automatic spot on Angela Stanford’s roster through the U.S.
Solheim Cup points list, has been battling a lingering stomach ailment that has kept her away from competitive play for several months. Despite the setbacks, Yin remains determined to contribute to a team that is aiming to defend the trophy at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands and secure its first overseas victory since 2015. Yin’s recent tournament record underscores the severity of her condition.
She has not completed a full 72‑hole event since May and has entered only one LPGA Tour competition since June, where she missed the cut by a staggering 13 strokes after returning from an undisclosed gastrointestinal issue. The illness has also led to a dramatic weight loss of more than two and a half stone, prompting serious doubts about her ability to compete at the highest level.
When asked during the pre‑tournament press conference whether she had considered sitting out, Yin answered candidly: "Yes, of course. I know it sounds 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 went on to explain the internal dialogue that guided her decision: "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 highlighted the pivotal role of the captain in her final choice.
"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?" Her words illustrate the trust she places in Stanford’s judgment and the collective resolve of the squad. Stanford, for her part, affirmed during Tuesday’s press conference that Yin will indeed take part for Team USA, even as former world number one Lilia Vu—who secured a crucial half‑point in the 2024 Solheim Cup—stood by as a potential last‑minute alternate. Yin’s confidence grew after an extra practice session on Wednesday, where she tackled the front nine alone before joining her teammates on the back nine.
The two‑time LPGA winner reported that her game feels "positive" heading into this decisive week. "I'm feeling great," Yin said. "I guess everybody has different opinions, but I personally think it [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." Yin’s preparation also included a practice match alongside teammate Yealimi Noh, where they defeated Alison Lee and Megan Khang. Lee praised Yin’s effort, noting, "Angel is playing great golf.
She’s working hard, she’s putting in the work, and she’s probably the hardest working 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 Solheim Cup coverage will be extensive, with Sky Sports Golf delivering at least twelve hours of live broadcast across the first two days.
The action kicks off at 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, leading into the opening foursomes at 6:40 a.m. (7:40 a.m.
local time). The afternoon four‑ball matches begin at 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m. local time), and the schedule continues through the final putt.
Sunday’s singles competition starts at 9 a.m., with the first tee shot at 10:10 a.m. Sky Sports+ will also air 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.
Fans eager to follow the drama can watch Team Europe’s bid to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days of competition—September 11‑13—available on Sky Sports Golf. For those without a traditional subscription, streaming options such as NOW offer contract‑free access, ensuring that the excitement of the Solheim Cup reaches a global audience. The tournament promises high‑stakes golf, compelling narratives like Yin’s perseverance, and the chance for history to be written on Dutch soil.