The qualification process to earn a spot on the European team at the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup has been announced as the home side aim to win back the trophy in the Netherlands.
Twelve of Europe’s best young female golfers between the ages of 12 and 18 will take on the American team at Bernardus Golf between 7-8 September 2026. This marks a historic first with the competition taking place on the same course as the Solheim Cup later that week.
Five-time Ladies European Tour (LET) winner Anne van Dam will captain the European side with England’s Bronte Law confirmed as the Dutchwoman’s vice-captain. The pair competed together at both the PING Junior Solheim Cup in 2013 and Solheim Cup in 2019.
There will be 10 official European qualification events for the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup. The Portuguese International Ladies’ Amateur Championship will kick off qualifying at Penina Golf Resort between January 29-31. This will be followed by the Spanish International Ladies’ Amateur Championship at La Reserva Club Sotogrande between March 3-8. One month later van Dam’s prospects will compete for the French International Lady Juniors at Saint Cloud Golf Club from April 1-6.
After a short break, qualification sees a busy summer beginning with the German International Girls’ Championship at GC Bad Saarow between June 4-6. This is followed by the ANNIKA Invitational Europe from June 15-18 staged at Upsala GC, Sweden. The month ends with The Women’s Amateur Championship held between June 22-27 at the prestigious Muirfield, Scotland.
Three more events take place in July beginning with the European Ladies’ Team Championship at PGA National Slieve Russell, Ireland and the European Girls’ Team Championship at G&CC Zürich, Switzerland. Both competitions take place between July 7-11. This is followed by the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship from July 22-25 at Allerum GC, Sweden.
The official qualification period ends at the conclusion of the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship which takes place between August 10-15 at Craigielaw, Scotland. The leading six players from the PING Junior Solheim Cup rankings will automatically be picked. In the event of a tie, selection will be decided based on individual standings in the European Women’s Amateur Rankings.
Van Dam then has a further two days to decide on her six captain’s picks to complete her team. Amateur events, the European Women’s Amateur Rankings and stroke play average will all be taken into consideration when deciding her picks.
“I cannot wait for the qualification period to begin in 2026,” van Dam said. “Alongside my vice-captain, Bronte Law, we are incredibly excited to attend some of these events as we piece together our team for the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup.
“Having played in many of these tournaments ourselves back in 2013, we know the level of competition will be extremely high and will help us form the best squad possible as we attempt to win back the trophy next year.
“I vividly remember making the European team my primary goal at the beginning of 2013. There is nothing better than setting goals and working hard towards them and I planned my whole year around the qualifying events to try and make the team. In the end, I have learned throughout my career that the process is even more important than the result, so with that in mind I want to wish everyone involved the best of luck with their journey and goals for 2026.
“Bronte and I look forward to meeting all the girls and seeing the amazing talent on display at these 10 qualifying events.”
PING CEO and Chairman John A. Solheim said: “The release of the qualifying schedule for the PING Junior Solheim always brings a smile to my face as it signals we’re less than a year from the event.
“When we first started the event more than 20 years ago, I had high hopes for it but never imagined it would grow into what it’s become. It will be fun to follow the progress of the players as they compete throughout Europe over the next year to earn a coveted spot on Anne’s team. I wish the best of luck to all the girls attempting to qualify and look forward to meeting the team at Bernardus in September.”
Tickets for both the PING Junior Solheim Cup and Solheim Cup are on sale now. From grounds passes providing general access, to hospitality including the ‘Tap Inn at the 15th Green’ tipped to be the most exciting spot on the course, there are a range of options available to get fans close to the action. Full ticket details are available at www.solheimcup2026.golf/tickets.
More information about the PJSC can also be found on the Solheim Cup website. For the latest news, follow along on Instagram – @pingjrsolheimcupeurope.
