Wake Forest University continues to shine in collegiate golf with the exciting announcement that sophomore Chloe Kovelesky and junior Macy Pate have been selected to represent Team USA at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup. This prestigious international competition brings together the nation's top student-athletes, highlighting the Demon Deacons' strong women's golf program and its commitment to developing elite talent.

The selection underscores the rising prominence of Wake Forest's golf team on the national stage, where academic excellence meets athletic prowess. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill throughout their college careers, earning them spots among the best amateur golfers in the country.

Chloe Kovelesky: A Rising Star from Boca Raton

Chloe Kovelesky, a sophomore from Boca Raton, Florida, has quickly made her mark at Wake Forest University since arriving as a highly touted recruit. Her journey in golf began early, qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open at just 14 years old—the youngest competitor in that event's history. This prodigious talent translated seamlessly to the collegiate level.

In her freshman year (2024-2025), Kovelesky notched her first individual collegiate victory at the Lady Bulldog Invitational, finishing at five under par. She consistently posted top-20 finishes across the regular season, culminating in a strong showing at the NCAA Lubbock Regional where she went two under par for a top-three finish. Her scoring average of 72.26 ranked her No. 27 nationally, earning her 2025 WGCA All-American Honorable Mention and All-ACC honors.

Sophomore year has seen even greater heights. Kovelesky co-medaled at the prestigious ANNIKA Intercollegiate, then fired a career-low 54-hole total of 206 (four under) for second place at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup—matching her personal best rounds of 67 twice. She capped the ACC Championship with a nine-under performance, securing third-place medalist honors. These achievements propelled her selection to the Arnold Palmer Cup, a testament to her precision driving, iron play, and clutch putting under pressure.

Macy Pate: Returning Champion and Local Hero

Junior Macy Pate, hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina—just miles from Wake Forest's campus—brings experience and leadership to Team USA. A 2024 ACC Freshman of the Year, Pate burst onto the scene with a 71.48 scoring average over 31 rounds, finishing top-25 in nine of 12 events. Highlights included top-10s at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate, Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, and NCAA Regionals.

Her sophomore campaign (2024-2025) featured four top-25 finishes in the fall, including a runner-up at the Charles Schwab Collegiate (five under). Spring brought her first collegiate win at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup with a stellar eight-under 202, the lowest 54-hole score of her career. She maintained top-25 consistency, with back-to-back top-10s at the Moon Golf Invitational and Darius Rucker, posting the team's lowest scoring average post-ACC Championship and ranking No. 19 on Scoreboard.

This marks Pate's second Arnold Palmer Cup appearance, following her 2025 debut where she faced fellow Deac Carolina Chacarra on Team International. A two-time Augusta National Women's Amateur invitee, Pate's short game and composure make her a pivotal player.

Wake Forest Women's Golf: A Legacy of Excellence

Wake Forest University's women's golf program has become a powerhouse, winning its first national championship in 2023 and consistently producing Palmer Cup participants since the event's expansion to include women and an International team in 2018. The Demon Deacons have boasted at least one selection annually, with 2026 marking the second straight year featuring two Deacs on Team USA.

The program's roots tie directly to golf legend Arnold Palmer, a Wake Forest alumnus (class of 1951) whose legacy infuses the team with tradition and inspiration. Under head coach Kim Lewellen, the Deacs emphasize holistic development, balancing rigorous academics with competitive golf. Recent successes include ACC titles and deep NCAA runs, attracting top recruits like Kovelesky and Pate.

Student-athletes here thrive in a supportive environment, leveraging Winston-Salem's golf-rich culture and facilities like the beautiful Wake Forest golf course.

Understanding the Arnold Palmer Cup: Format and Prestige

The Arnold Palmer Cup, founded in 1997 by the Golf Coaches Association of America and named for the King himself, is college golf's premier team event. Modeled after the Ryder Cup, it pits 12 top U.S. collegiate men and women against an equal International squad in a mix of alternate-shot, best-ball, and singles matches over three days.

Originally U.S. vs. Great Britain & Ireland, it evolved to U.S. vs. the World (excluding Europe in some formats, but now fully International) to heighten competition. The U.S. leads the all-time series 15-13-1, with Team International claiming the 2025 title at Congaree Golf Club.

Selection is merit-based: top performers via Scoreboard rankings, with captain's picks. For college golfers, it's a career accelerator—many alumni transition to PGA or LPGA Tours, gaining exposure, pressure experience, and networking. The official Arnold Palmer Cup website details past results and player stories.

2026 Arnold Palmer Cup at Tralee Golf Links

Scheduled for July 3-5, 2026 (with practice June 29-July 2), the event heads to Tralee Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland—a links masterpiece redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 1984. Known for its dramatic dunes, Atlantic winds, and strategic bunkering, Tralee demands creativity and resilience, testing players' adaptability.

This overseas venue adds intrigue, with Team USA aiming to reclaim the cup on International soil. Spectators can expect Ryder Cup-style fervor, with matches broadcast widely. Tralee Golf Club's site offers course insights and history.

Team USA Roster: A Formidable Lineup

Joining Kovelesky and Pate are standouts like Auburn's Anna Davis and Josiah Gilbert, USC's Kylie Chong and Jasmine Koo, and others from BYU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Texas, Pepperdine, and more. Non-D1 picks like Wingate's Amely Bochaton highlight inclusivity.

• Returners: Davis, Gilbert, Koo, Modleski, O'Keefe, Pate—bringing experience.
• Multi-school reps: Auburn (3), USC (3+), Florida (multi).
• Wake Forest joins Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Arizona State with two each.

Full rosters showcase 32 universities' talent. For complete lists, see Golfweek's coverage.

Career Impacts and Alumni Success

Palmer Cup selection often foreshadows pro success. Past participants include LPGA stars like Jennifer Kupcho and Collin Morikawa. For Kovelesky and Pate, it's a resume booster, enhancing NIL opportunities, sponsorships, and pro tour paths post-graduation.

At Wake Forest, alumni leverage the network—Palmer's enduring influence opens doors in golf and beyond. These experiences build mental toughness, vital for professional longevity.

Balancing Books and Birdies in Higher Education

Collegiate golf demands discipline: rigorous practice, travel, and competition alongside coursework. Wake Forest supports student-athletes with academic advising, flexible scheduling, and resources ensuring GPAs remain high. Kovelesky and Pate exemplify this balance, pursuing degrees while excelling athletically.

Higher ed institutions like Wake Forest prioritize well-rounded development, preparing golfers for careers in coaching, business, or pros. Statistics show NCAA athletes graduate at 88% rates, higher than general students.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for Team USA

With a blend of veterans and newcomers, Team USA enters as favorites despite International's recent edge. Kovelesky's firepower and Pate's steadiness could prove decisive on Tralee's challenging layout. Wake Forest fans eagerly await their Deacs' performance, potentially sparking a program dynasty.

The event promises thrilling matches, global exposure, and lifelong bonds—core to college sports' appeal.

Photo by Tasha on Unsplash

For more on Wake Forest athletics, visit the official announcement. As these young women prepare, they embody the spirit of collegiate athletics: perseverance, teamwork, and pursuit of greatness.