SURPRISE, Ariz. - An Arizona teen has just found out she earned a spot to represent the United States of America in a golf match-up with Europe.
What we know:
Just as the men play the Ryder Cup every two years, the women play the Solheim Cup. A born and raised Arizona golfer will tee off in the junior international competition.
Soon her swing will represent the United States of America in the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup. It pits the best 12 junior girls golfers in the U.S. against the 12 best in Europe.
The Call:
Aubrey Hilgers practices on the range at Wigwam Golf Club, still glowing after getting the phone call.
"Disbelief. A bunch of disbelief. I mean, when you get that phone call you just don't believe it. I almost went on mute because I was jumping up and down and screaming and so excited. Honestly. I mean, in the moment I was in disbelief, I was pinching myself," Hilgers said.
Local perspective:
Hilgers, born and raised in Surprise, Arizona, was one of the final four captains' picks.
"Honestly, it's going to be so crazy, and I've never really experienced anything like this in my life, and I am really excited for it," Hilgers said.
Big picture view:
She'll take her game to the every two-year international match-up, this time in Amsterdam. The Junior Golf Association of Arizona member is ranked in the top 25 in the country and has won multiple events.
"I am going to be playing with some of the best junior golfers in the world," Hilgers said.
What's next:
Now she'll hope her next win is for the red, white, and blue.
"I grew up watching people represent the US and being able to go do that now is such a blessing and such a privilege. I love my country. So it's just going to be awesome to go out there and do that and represent my loved ones and everyone rooting for me," Hilgers said.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Aubrey Hilgers and the Junior Golf Association of Arizona.