20 FACTS ABOUT THE PING JUNIOR SOLHEIM CUP
20 Facts about the PING Junior Solheim Cup
Get to know the PING Junior Solheim Cup, where the future stars of women’s golf begin their international journeys. This prestigious event features the best junior female amateurs from the U.S. and Europe in a spirited match-play format. Held alongside the Solheim Cup, the competition offers young athletes the chance to learn from the pros and compete at the highest level. Here are 20 facts that capture the legacy, milestones, and impact of this one-of-a-kind event.
The Junior Solheim Cup is a version of the Solheim Cup, featuring 12 of the top U.S. female amateurs versus their European counterparts, all aged 12 to 18.
The event gives junior female golfers a platform to advance their careers by competing in elite, international match play, and allows them to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by the Solheim Cup professionals.
The 2026 Junior Solheim Cup will mark the 14th edition of the event, which first debuted in 2002.
The competition takes place September 7-8, the same week as the Solheim Cup.
Over two days, 24 matches are played. To win, a team must earn at least 12.5 points; however, the previous winning team can retain the trophy with 12 points.
For the first time ever, the PJSC will be played on the same course as the Solheim Cup.
The PJSC and the Solheim Cup have been played at the same venue in 2015, 2017, and 2019, but on different courses.
The United States currently holds an 8-4-1 advantage over Europe.
In 2021, Team Europe pulled off the biggest comeback in PJSC history, needing to win 8 of 12 matches on the final day to clinch the title. They exceeded expectations by winning 9, securing a 13–11 victory, led by captain Annika Sörenstam.
Many of today’s top pros started their Solheim Cup journeys in the Junior Solheim Cup, including Team Europe’s Charley Hull, Maja Stark, Carlota Ciganda, and Georgia Hall as well as the U.S. Team’s Nelly Korda, Angel Yin, Rose Zhang, and Lexi Thompson.
In 2024, 11 European and 6 U.S. PJSC alumni competed in the Solheim Cup, highlighting its role in developing future champions.
A total of 19 European and 13 U.S. PJSC alumni have competed in the Solheim Cup.
Azahara Muñoz (ESP), Alison Lee (USA), and Andrea Revuelta (ESP) share the record for most PJSC appearances, each competing three times.
USA’s Alison Lee holds the best team record in PJSC history, with two wins (2009, 2013) and one tie (2011).
Since the start, 19 countries in Europe (including the UK) have been represented, with Iceland being the latest addition.
The top 5 most represented countries are: 1. Spain (34), 2. Sweden (25), 3. France (19), 4. England (13), and 5. Tied: Germany/Italy (12).
Two Dutch players have competed in the PJSC – Anne Van Dam and Dewi-Claire Schreefel.
The event traditionally features European captains with past Solheim Cup experience, as well as winners from various tours. Notable captains include Marta Figueras-Dotti, Helen Alfredsson, Charlotta Sörenstam, Catrin Nilsmark, Carin Koch, Lotta Neumann, Janice Moodie, Iben Tinning, Alison Nicholas, Mickey Walker, Annika Sörenstam, and Gwladys Nocera.
Dutch player Anne Van Dam will be the first PJSC alumna to captain a PJSC team.
Past U.S. captains have included LPGA Hall of Famers and Solheim Cup legends, such as Colleen Walker, Nancy Lopez, Meg Mallon, Kathy Whitworth, Renee Powell, and Beth Daniels.
Past Winners:
Year
Team
Points
Location
2024
USA
USA 18.5, Europe 5.5
USA - Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, Virginia
2023
Europe
Europe 15, USA 9
Europe - Old Course, La Zagaleta, Spain
2021
Europe
Europe 13, USA 11
United States - Sylvania Country Club, Ohio
2019
USA
USA 13, Europe 11
Europe - Gleneagles, Scotland
2017
USA
USA 14.5, Europe 9.5
United States - Des Moines Golf & Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa
2015
USA
USA 13, Europe 11
Europe - Golf Club St. Leon Rot, Germany
2013
USA
USA 14.5, Europe 9.5
United States - The Inverness Hotel Golf Club; Colorado
2011
USA*
USA 12, Europe 12
Europe - Knightsbrook Golf Club, Ireland
2009
USA
USA 15.5, Europe 8.5
United States - Aurora Golf Club, Illinois
2007
Europe
Europe 14, USA 10
Europe - Båstad GK, Sweden, EUROPE
2005
USA
USA 16, Europe 8
United States - Bridgewater Club, Indiana
2003
Europe
Europe 13, USA 11
Europe - Bokskogens GK, Sweden
2002
USA
USA 17, Europe 7
United States - Oak Ridge Golf Club, Minnesota
* USA retained the PING Junior Solheim Cup