Why Angel Yin’s Solheim Cup decision could be huge for the U.S. Team
LPGA, Golf Damen Thailand 2025 Angel Yin of the USA wins the Honda LPGA Thailand 2025 at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, on February 23, 2025. Pattaya Chonburi Thailand PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xVachiraxVachirax originalFilename:kalong-lpgathai250223_np8Lu.jpg
LPGA, Golf Damen Thailand 2025 Angel Yin of the USA wins the Honda LPGA Thailand 2025 at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, on February 23, 2025. Pattaya Chonburi Thailand PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xVachiraxVachirax originalFilename:kalong-lpgathai250223_np8Lu.jpg
There were doubts that two-time LPGA Tour winner Angel Yin would travel with the U.S. Team to the Netherlands for the Solheim Cup. However, despite recent health struggles, the 27-year-old has made a bold decision.
Recently, Yin confirmed to GolfWeek that she’ll be heading to Amsterdam. After a long break due to stomach issues, the 27-year-old returned at last week's FM Championship.
"I didn’t make anything over a bogey," said Yin, "and my improvement from 81 to 76 doesn't seem like a lot in professional golf, but it was immense for me."
January 29, 2026, Orlando, Florida, USA: Angel Yin tees off the first hole during the first round of the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20260129_fap_w109_058 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
January 29, 2026, Orlando, Florida, USA: Angel Yin tees off the first hole during the first round of the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20260129_fap_w109_058 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
Back in June, Yin withdrew from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in the third round. Since then, she lost 35 pounds and was a major doubt for the Solheim Cup.
However, improving last week, the 27-year-old will make her fourth Solheim appearance, as reported by GolfWeek's Beth Ann Nichols.
Yin earned an automatic spot by being second on the points list, and US team captain Angela Stanford would love to have her on the team as well.
“She deserves to be on this team. We all want Angel on the team,” said Stanford. “We’re giving her the opportunity to play and see where she, and we agreed, ‘let’s play Boston, and then let’s reassess.’”
Stanford's confidence signals the team is ready to defend its 2024 title despite Yin's late-season health scare.
Yin has a 5-3-1 record in the Solheim Cup. She’ll play a crucial role if the US Team wants to defend the title.
Putting has never been an issue for Yin. However, the gastrointestinal issues have impacted her diet and, in turn, her stamina.
However, the two-time LPGA winner is now playing pain-free and is all set to feature at the Bernardus Golf from 7th to 13th September.
Stanford completed her 12-player roster last week with her captain’s picks.
Captain Stanford's final picks: Khang, Zhang, and Duncan.
US team captain Angela Stanford went for Solheim veterans Rose Zhang and Megan Khang, along with 35-year-old rookie Lindy Duncan.
“I’m so proud and excited for this group,” said Captain Angela Stanford, as per the LPGA Tour's report. “Now, we are ready to get to the Netherlands and represent the Red, White & Blue.”
Duncan will be the oldest player on the team and will make her debut alongside Auston Kim. On the other hand, Khang will bring a different level of experience.
The veteran went undefeated in the last edition and will also make her fifth straight Solheim Cup appearance at Bernardus.
Just like Khang, Zhang was dominant in 2024, going 4-0-0 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. She’ll be playing in her third consecutive Solheim Cup.
It all comes down to Yin's health, which will be the deciding factor in the U.S. defense.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar