U.S. Solheim Cup Captain Angela Stanford has selected Kristy McPherson as her first assistant captain for the 2026 U.S. Team. McPherson will work alongside Stanford in leading a team of the top 12 American female golfers at the Solheim Cup, being held at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, from Sept. 11-13, 2026.
“Kristy and I have been friends since 2006. We traveled and played on Tour together, and I was just always impressed with her attitude. It didn’t matter what was going on around her or in her life. She showed up with a positive attitude and was always ready to give it her best,” said Stanford. “She’s also extremely competitive and there are never any excuses from Kristy. I know she can push me while also making sure that I am true to who I am, that I’m doing the right things for this team. She will hold me accountable for the decisions I’m going to make.”
After four years on the Epson Tour, where she earned two victories and never missed the cut, McPherson joined the LPGA Tour in 2007. While she never captured an LPGA Tour victory, she recorded three runner-up finishes, including a tie for second at The Chevron Championship in 2009. McPherson went 1-3-0 on the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team, which beat Europe, 16 to 12, at Rich Harvest Farms outside Chicago.
“I am honored and proud to be named an assistant captain for the 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup Team. It’s going to be so much fun,” said McPherson. “I’m so grateful to Angela for trusting me in this process and taking me on this journey with her. I can’t wait to work with her over the next year and half and I’m really looking forward to working with the team. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that when we head to the Netherlands in 2026, the Solheim Cup comes with us back to the United States.”
McPherson’s indomitable spirit began early in her golf career when she was diagnosed with Still’s disease, a form of arthritis, at age 11. Refusing to let it impede her dreams, McPherson went on for a four-year collegiate career at the University of South Carolina, where she earned seven victories. In 2003, she earned the Honda Inspiration Award, which is given to an athlete “who has overcome hardship and was able to return to play at the collegiate level.”
Information on ticket options and prices for the 2026 Solheim Cup is available at www.solheimcup2026.golf.
