BERNARDUS, Netherlands (Sept. 10, 2026) – Gamecock women’s golf alumna Kristy McPherson will put on her Assistant Captain’s hat this week as she will be aiding in Team USA’s efforts in the 2026 Solheim Cup. This year’s Solheim Cup will be played at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands, beginning on Friday, Sept. 11 and concluding on Sunday, Sept. 13.

McPherson was named an Assistant Captain by seven-time LPGA Tour winner and six-time Solheim Cup participant Angela Stanford. McPherson is one of the most decorated golfers in program history and remains one of only four play­ers in Southeastern Conference history to win back-to-back SEC Women’s Golf Championship titles, claiming medalist honors in 2001 and 2002. The second year, her 7-under-par 209 helped lead the Gamecocks to its first team SEC Championship, defeating Auburn by three strokes. She led the Game­cocks to the NCAA Championship each year from 2001 to 2003 and was the team’s top finisher in each appearance. McPherson is the all-time leader in individual victories at South Carolina, winning six tournaments in her four years. A four-time All-SEC selection and the 2003 SEC Player of the Year, McPherson left USC with the all-time lead in scoring average at 74.42; she currently ranks 13th all-time.

About the Solheim Cup
Held every two years, the Solheim Cup has grown into the most highly coveted trophy in women’s professional golf team competition; some of the most memorable moments in the sport have happened during past Solheim Cups and berths on the European and U.S. teams are highly sought-after by players from both organizations. The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten and Louise Solheim, the founders of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment.

The first Solheim Cup was staged in 1990, with the latest 2024 Solheim Cup having taken place on September 13-15, at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. The U.S. Team defeated Europe 15.5-12.5 to claim their first Solheim Cup victory since 2017.

Solheim Cup Format
Both teams (USA & Europe) are made up of 12 players, a captain and three assistant captains. The event has three days of competition. Days one and two comprise of a morning session of foursome matches (alternate shots) and an afternoon session of four-ball matches (best individual score on a hole). The final day is made up of 12 singles matches.

There are 28 total points available across the 28 matches with 14.5 points needed to announce a victor. If the match ends in a 14-14 tie, the defending champion will retain the trophy – in this case Team USA.