Stanford to lead Team USA as Manning raises capital for new venture

ANGELA Stanford is moving up to the captain’s chair for the US team in the 2026 Solheim Cup, which takes on Europe in the Netherlands next year.

Stanford, 47, competed in the Solheim Cup on six occasions as a player and vice-captain in each of the past three, according to US media reports.

“I’m extremely grateful to be named the next American captain for the Solheim Cup and join a list of my heroes in the game,” she said.

“I’ve always believed that I represent more than myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honour than representing your country,” added Stanford, in an LPGA statement.

“I consider this the pinnacle of my career, and I’m looking forward to leading our players to the Netherlands in 2026.

Stanford replaces Stacy Lewis, who guided the US team in the past two Solheim Cups.

“Angela Stanford will certainly be a wonderful captain for the US Team at the 2026 Solheim Cup,” said Liz Moore, interim LPGA commissioner.

“Angela has always been a spark on and off the course, a true leader and a dedicated partner to her teammates. It’s now her time to take the helm of the US Team, and I have no doubt that she will lead her squad to a successful week in the Netherlands.”

Stanford is a Texas native who joined the LPGA Tour in 2001. She has recorded seven career LPGA victories including one major - the 2018 Evian Championship, before retiring from full-time competitive golf after the 2024 season.

The next Solheim Cup will be contested from Sept 11 to 13, 2026, at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.

Meanwhile, retired American football quarterback Peyton Manning and a former top executive at YouTube are part of a group investing US$45mil in Good Good Golf, the company behind a popular online golf channel. Creator Sports Capital, co-founded by former YouTube executive Benjamin Grubbs, is leading the funding round, which includes Manning’s Omaha Productions and 50 other investors, according to the company.

Good Good Golf will use the money to build a management team, invest in live events and expand its lineup of golf products, the firm added.