Angela Stanford finalized her U.S. Solheim Cup roster ahead of the Netherlands trip, adding Rose Zhang, Megan Khang, and Lindy Duncan. Yet with the team set, a significant question persisted.
The issue took center stage during the opening two rounds at TPC Boston.
Angel Yin earned her Solheim Cup spot on points but withdrew from the third round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June, citing severe stomach and gastrointestinal issues that led to a 35-pound weight loss. After two months away from competition, she returned at the FM Championship seeking to assess her fitness and form for the Netherlands.
As anticipated, Yin’s return was rustic. Having lost muscle and distance over the 35-pound weight loss, she struggled Thursday at TPC Boston, finding just six of 14 fairways and six of 18 greens en route to an opening 81. She improved slightly Friday, hitting eight of 14 fairways and seven of 18 greens for a 4-over 76. Yin finished last through 36 holes and missed the weekend, leaving her without another chance to prove to Stanford that her game and body are ready for a Solheim Cup appearance on European soil since 2015.
‘Overall, I think I did OK in that regard,’ Yin said via Golf Digest’s Jill Painter Lopez. ‘I struggled with consistency, but many encouraged me to view it as a process. I’m doing this for myself and showing up. My caddie was super supportive, as was my team, and I’ve received plenty of encouragement.’
Despite nearly two months away from competition, Yin ranked second on the American points list behind World No. 1 Nelly Korda. On paper, she remains a key piece for any American Solheim Cup chance in the Netherlands. A captain’s pick in 2017 and 2023, she qualified via world rankings points in 2019 and carries a 5-3-1 career Solheim Cup record.
The lingering question remains whether Yin’s body and game can be a genuine asset in the Netherlands. Her participation in Boston was a positive sign, but two rounds devoid of birdies did little to resolve the looming uncertainty for the Americans.
‘If I feel I’m not fit for the team, I’ll let her know,’ Yin told Nichols. ‘The last thing I want to do is drag the team down.’
Yin has maintained constant communication with Stanford regarding her health and game state. When asked whether she believes Yin will make the Netherlands trip, Stanford emphasized the importance of the Boston swing and how Yin’s body responds to competition after a two-month hiatus.
‘We’ve been taking it day by day with Angel, and she earned her spot on merit. She deserves to be on this team. We all want Angel on the roster,’ Stanford said. ‘We’re giving her the opportunity to play and then reassess.’
Yin admitted to Painter Lopez that she wasn’t certain she’d play if the decision were made this week. However, she made clear she won’t board the plane to the Netherlands if she has no intention of competing.
A difficult decision looms for Yin, Stanford, and the American camp. After two rusty rounds in Boston, the choice will arrive sooner than expected, and however it’s resolved will significantly shape the Solheim Cup narrative in the Netherlands.
