The Chevron Championship stands out as the opening women’s major of the 2026 season, and it brings a mix of history, tradition, and top‑tier competition that makes it a must‑watch event for golf fans worldwide. This guide explains why the tournament is unique, how players earn their spots, where the competition will be staged, and which contenders are poised to make a splash. ### A Brief History and Its Rise to Major Status Although The Chevron Championship is the third‑oldest of the five LPGA majors—trailing only the U.S.
Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship—it did not receive major designation until 1983. The event originated in 1972 thanks to the enthusiasm of Dinah Shore, a celebrated American singer and actress who loved golf and helped launch the tournament at Mission Hill Country Club in California. Over the decades the championship has evolved from a modest 54‑hole format into a marquee four‑day showdown, now featuring one of the sport’s largest prize pools. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the event, and 132 of the world’s best women golfers will vie for the Dinah Shore Trophy, a nod to the tournament’s founder.
While the competition began in California, it migrated to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas in 2023. For 2026, the venue shifts once more, this time to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, a par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open. The change not only offers a fresh backdrop but also brings the tournament closer to a passionate Texas fan base. ### Iconic Traditions That Define the Event One of the most beloved customs at The Chevron Championship began in 1988 when three‑time champion Amy Alcott leapt into the lake beside the 18th green at Mission Hill to celebrate her victory.
That spontaneous splash sparked a tradition: every champion now jumps into a water feature adjacent to the final green. To honor this ritual at Memorial Park, organizers are installing a temporary pool next to the 18th‑hole green, ensuring the winning player can continue the splash‑down tradition in Houston. ### How Players Qualify Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which permits any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower, The Chevron Championship restricts entry to the sport’s elite. Automatic invitations are extended to: * Past champions and former major winners * Winners of other LPGA tournaments * The top‑10 finishers from the previous year’s Chevron Championship * The leading two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan Tour, and the LPGA of Korea Tour who are not already exempt * Eight of the world’s highest‑ranked amateur players This selective process ensures that the field is packed with world‑class talent, making the competition fierce from the first tee.
### Players to Watch **Mao Saigo (Japan)** – The defending champion will attempt to repeat her 2025 triumph, where she secured the title after a dramatic playoff. Saigo’s composure under pressure makes her a formidable contender.
**Charley Hull (England)** – After missing the cut in 2025, Hull is eager to claim her first major. Her aggressive ball‑striking and recent improvements in putting could see her rise up the leaderboard. **Lottie Woad (England)** – At just 22, Woad’s rapid ascent has turned heads. Her recent top‑10 finishes suggest she could be a surprise factor in Houston.
**Hannah Green (Australia)** – Green arrives in peak form, having captured four titles in her last five starts, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open. She is widely regarded as a favorite.
**Hyo Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Kim’s back‑to‑back wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship demonstrate her consistency and make her a serious threat. **Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has started 2026 strongly, winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and finishing runner‑up in three other events.
Her confidence and experience could prove decisive. **Lexi Thompson (USA)** – Thompson, the 2014 champion, remains a name to watch. Although she faced a rules penalty in 2023, her talent and determination keep her in contention.
**Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)** – Though retired, Sörenstam’s legacy looms large. As a three‑time Chevron champion, she remains an inspirational figure for the field. **Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)** – The 2026 Solheim Cup captain will be looking to add a fourth major to her résumé while also scouting European talent for the upcoming Solheim Cup. ### Prize Money and Stakes The purse for the 2026 Chevron Championship has been boosted by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 million (approximately £5.91 million).
This represents a dramatic rise from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021, positioning the tournament as one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA Tour. The increased financial incentive adds another layer of intensity, as players not only chase a major title but also a substantial payday. ### Broadcast and Viewing Options Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to all five women’s majors, providing live coverage across all four days of the Chevron Championship from 23‑26 April.
Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) start at 4 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, while the weekend’s final two rounds kick off at 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf. Subscribers can also access extra feeds, highlights, and on‑demand content via Sky Sports+. For those without a contract, the tournament can be streamed through NOW, offering a flexible way to follow the action.
Additionally, the Sky Sports Golf Podcast delivers analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights throughout the week. ### Why This Major Matters Beyond the trophy and prize money, The Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the season ahead. Players who perform well here often set the tone for the rest of the year, securing valuable world‑ranking points and boosting their chances for captain’s picks on the Solheim Cup teams for both Europe and the United States.
With the Solheim Cup looming later in the year, many competitors view a strong finish in Houston as a springboard toward selection. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of historic charm, high‑stakes competition, and fresh storylines.
From the newly installed pool at Memorial Park to the star‑studded field featuring defending champions, rising talents, and seasoned veterans, the tournament is set to deliver memorable moments. Whether you’re a dedicated golf follower or a casual viewer, tuning in to Sky Sports or streaming the event will let you witness the drama unfold as the first women’s major of the season crowns its champion.