Big-hitting Julia Lopez Ramirez is set for an exciting 2026 as the Ladies European Tour (LET)’s newest star eyes a spot on Anna Nordqvist’s Solheim Cup team.
The Spaniard had a “rollercoaster“ rookie year on the LPGA last season finishing T3 at the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open and contending up to the wire at the U.S. Women’s Open.
Climbing over 500 spots in the Rolex Rankings to 109th, Lopez Ramirez, a former World No 1 amateur, quickly made a name for herself eventually finishing 68th on the Race to CME Globe – the season-long points competition on the LPGA.
Having positioned herself well in the conversation for the 2026 Solheim Cup, Lopez Ramirez ended the year at Lalla Aicha Q-School earning a full LET card to make herself eligible for European selection. With dual status confirmed, the 22-year-old is now excited for a big year ahead on both sides of the Atlantic.
“I’ve always wanted to have status on both tours and have the opportunity to have a choice about where I play,” Lopez Ramirez said, who finished T9 in Morocco to earn Category 12 status on the LET. “I’m excited to play on both and experience both tours. The LET is definitely growing a lot and it’s a good part of the tour [ecosystem].
“[Being able to make the Solheim Cup team] was definitely a big factor [in coming to Q-School]. Obviously you always want to do well. You always want to win and do the best you can. But for next year, I just need to be patient.
“Of course, the Solheim Cup is there. I want to make the team but need to take things step by step. I feel like when my game is ready, and my mind is ready, I’ll be able to get a spot. But if it’s not to be next year, maybe a couple years from there. Step by step. I’ll continue to practice and get my game ready to go.”
Lopez Ramirez enjoyed a successful amateur career winning the 2023 European Ladies Amateur Championship en route to reaching World No 1 in 2024. After joining the LPGA in 2025, the Spaniard instantly garnered attention with her big-hitting off the tee, going on to top driving distance on the circuit with an impressive 285.42 yard average.
“Definitely the word for 2025 was rollercoaster,” Lopez Ramirez said, who made 15 cuts during her rookie year. “I think there was a lot of learning experiences, learning a lot about myself, my game, how to play different courses, adjusting to different things. I think it’s been very important to learn how to compete in different situations. It’s good to see I was able to show up and compete when the pressure was on. I think it’s very important to stay calm in these situations.”
As for 2026, on top of the potential of a debut Solheim Cup, Lopez Ramirez now has the luxury of picking and choosing where she plays her golf thanks to earning dual-status last month. It is something she is not planning on taking for granted.
“It makes things so much easier, knowing I can come back to Europe to compete on the LET if I need to.” the American-based star said. “I will definitely come and play some events next year. I will start my season on the LET [at the PIF Saudi Ladies International]. Then we’ll see. I’m very flexible and it’s nice to have the option and be able to check out both tours. Primarily, I’ll be on the LPGA but it’s great to have the option.”
The PIF Saudi Ladies International, the season-opener on the LET, gets underway on February 11. Follow all the action on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook.
