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. 

Everything you need to know about the PING Junior Solheim Cup 

1. 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.  

2. 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.  

3. The 2026 Junior Solheim Cup will mark the 14th edition of the event, which first debuted in 2002. 

4. The competition takes place September 7-8, the same week as the Solheim Cup. 

5. 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. 

6. For the first time ever, the PJSC will be played on the same course as the Solheim Cup.  

7. The PJSC and the Solheim Cup have been played at the same venue in 2015, 2017, and 2019, but on different courses.  

8. The United States currently holds an 8-4-1 advantage over Europe. 

9. 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. 

10. 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.  

11. In 2024, 11 European and 6 U.S. PJSC alumni competed in the Solheim Cup, highlighting its role in developing future champions.   

12. A total of 19 European and 13 U.S. PJSC alumni have competed in the Solheim Cup.  

13. Azahara Muñoz (ESP), Alison Lee (USA), and Andrea Revuelta (ESP) share the record for most PJSC appearances, each competing three times.  

14. USA’s Alison Lee holds the best team record in PJSC history, with two wins (2009, 2013) and one tie (2011). 

15. Since the start, 19 countries in Europe (including the UK) have been represented, with Iceland being the latest addition.  

16. 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).  

17. Two Dutch players have competed in the PJSC – Anne Van Dam and Dewi-Claire Schreefel.   

18. 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.  

19. Dutch player Anne Van Dam will be the first PJSC alumna to captain a PJSC team.  

20. 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:

* USA retained the PING Junior Solheim Cup