Alison Lee’s Historic Comeback in Solheim Cup 2026

Alison Lee Shines in Solheim Cup After Maternity Leave

Alison Lee returned to the LPGA Tour in 2026 after maternity leave, having given birth to her son in April of the previous year. At 31, Lee not only earned a spot on the U.S. Solheim Cup team but also delivered remarkable performances against Europe’s best in the Netherlands.

Impressive Early Matches

Lee participated in three of the first four sessions at the biennial Solheim Cup event. She secured victories in both her foursome matches and one fourball match over the initial two days, showcasing her outstanding skills in team competition.

Historic Singles Match Comeback

Sunday featured Lee playing in the singles session, where she initially struggled and appeared fatigued. She was 4-down in her match against Esther Henseleit after the first eleven holes. Despite no player ever overcoming such a deficit in the 36-year history of the competition, Lee found her rhythm.

Henseleit played the final seven holes at 2-over par, which assisted Lee’s comeback. Nevertheless, Lee demonstrated exceptional skill by playing those holes at 4-under. She not only tied the match but ultimately secured a full point for the United States with crucial birdies on her last three holes.

Remarkable Qualification and Achievements

Lee became the first player since Hall of Famer Juli Inkster in 2011 to automatically qualify for the U.S. Solheim Cup team after giving birth. Following her return in mid-April, she rapidly accumulated points through twelve LPGA Tour starts, achieving three top-10 finishes, including a T-5 at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Team Challenges Amidst Personal Success

While Lee’s personal victory was significant, Team Europe ultimately won the Solheim Cup. England’s Lottie Woad played a crucial role by defeating Auston Kim in the afternoon. Despite the team’s overall result, Lee’s performance remained a highlight.

Previous Solheim Cup Experience

In 2024, Lee participated in the Solheim Cup during her early pregnancy stages, securing a point to contribute to a 15.5-12.5 victory for the United States. Her pregnancy was known only to U.S. captain Stacy Lewis, her partner Megan Khang, and her caddie, making her efforts noteworthy given her circumstances.

Suzann Pettersen was the last mother to play for either side before Lee, competing for Team Europe in 2019 and retiring immediately after winning the cup dramatically.