The qualification process to earn a spot on the European team at the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup has been announced – as the home side aims to win back the trophy in the Netherlands.
Twelve of Europe’s best young female golfers aged 12-18 will take on the American team at Bernardus Golf on September 7-8, 2026. The event will be the first to take place on the same course as the Solheim Cup later that week.
Five-time Ladies European Tour winner Anne van Dam will captain the European side, with England’s Bronte Law confirmed as the Dutchwoman’s vice-captain. The pair competed together at the PING Junior Solheim Cup in 2013, and at the Solheim Cup in 2019.
There will be 10 official European qualification events – beginning with the Portuguese International Ladies’ Amateur Championship at Penina Golf Resort on January 29-31. This will be followed by the Spanish International Ladies’ Amateur Championship at La Reserva Club Sotogrande on March 3-8. Players will then compete for the French International Lady Juniors at Saint Cloud on April 1-6.
After a short break, a busy summer begins with the German International Girls’ Championship at Bad Saarow on June 4-6. This is followed by the ANNIKA Invitational Europe on June 15-18 – staged at Upsala in Sweden. The month ends with The Women’s Amateur Championship on June 22-27 at Muirfield.
Three more events take place in July – beginning with the European Ladies’ Team Championship at PGA National Slieve Russell in Ireland, and the European Girls’ Team Championship at G&CC Zürich in Switzerland. Both competitions take place on July 7-11. This is followed by the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship on July 22-25 at Allerum in Sweden.
The official qualification period ends at the conclusion of the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship, which takes place on August 10-15 at Craigielaw in Scotland.
The leading six players from the PING Junior Solheim Cup rankings will automatically be picked. In the event of a tie, selection will be decided based on individual standings in the European Women’s Amateur Rankings. Captain Anne then has a further two days to decide on her six captain’s picks to complete her team.
“I cannot wait for the qualification period to begin in 2026,” said Anne. “Alongside my vice-captain, Bronte Law, we are incredibly excited to attend some of these events as we piece together our team for the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup.
“Having played in the tournament ourselves back in 2013, we know the level of competition will be extremely high and will help us form the best squad possible as we attempt to win back the trophy next year.
“I vividly remember making the European team my primary goal at the beginning of 2013. There is nothing better than setting goals and working hard towards them, and I planned my whole year around the qualifying events to try and make the team. In the end, I have learned throughout my career that the process is even more important than the result, so with that in mind I want to wish everyone involved the best of luck with their journey and goals for 2026.
“Bronte and I look forward to meeting all the girls and seeing the amazing talent on display at these 10 qualifying events.”
PING CEO and chairman John A. Solheim said: “The release of the qualifying schedule for the PING Junior Solheim always brings a smile to my face as it signals we’re less than a year from the event.
“When we first started the event more than 20 years ago, I had high hopes for it but never imagined it would grow into what it’s become. It will be fun to follow the progress of the players as they compete throughout Europe over the next year to earn a coveted spot on Anne’s team. I wish the best of luck to all the girls attempting to qualify and look forward to meeting the team at Bernardus in September.”
