The Chevron Championship, the first major of the 2026 women’s golf season, is set to deliver another memorable chapter in the sport’s history. This guide will walk you through what makes the tournament unique, where it will be played, how players earn a spot in the field, and which competitors are most likely to make a splash.

### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Out of the five recognised women’s majors, The Chevron Championship holds the distinction of being the third oldest, trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship. Although the event debuted in 1972, it was not elevated to major status until 1983. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the tournament and will feature 132 of the world’s top female golfers vying for the Dinah Shore Trophy, a nod to the singer‑actress who helped launch the competition.

Originally a 54‑hole affair held at Mission Hills Country Club in California, the championship has grown into a 72‑hole showcase with one of the largest prize funds on the LPGA Tour. Its evolution mirrors the broader rise of women’s golf, and each year the event adds new layers of tradition and excitement. ### New Host Site: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After a brief stint at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, the 2026 tournament will move a short distance north to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. Memorial Park is a par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a blend of challenging water hazards, strategic bunkering, and generous fairways.

The venue’s reputation for demanding yet fair play makes it an ideal setting for a major championship. One of the most beloved customs of the event is the post‑victory plunge into a water feature adjacent to the 18th green. The tradition began in 1988 when three‑time champion Amy Alcott celebrated her win by jumping into the lake at Mission Hills.

This year, the organizers are taking the ritual a step further by installing a temporary pool right next to the 18th‑hole green, ensuring the champion will have a splash‑filled moment to remember. ### How Players Qualify Entry to The Chevron Championship is highly selective. Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which opens its doors to any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or better, the Chevron field is composed almost entirely of exempt players: * **Past champions** – All former winners receive an automatic invitation. * **Major winners and LPGA tournament victors** – Recent winners of other majors and LPGA events are granted entry.

* **Top‑10 finishers from the previous year** – Those who placed in the top ten at the 2025 Chevron Championship earn a spot. * **International tour representatives** – The top two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan Tour, and the LPGA of Korea Tour who are not already exempt are invited. * **World‑ranked players** – The highest‑ranked players in the Official Women’s World Golf Ranking who meet the exemption criteria are included. * **Amateur qualifiers** – Eight of the world’s leading amateur women will compete alongside the professionals, adding fresh talent to the mix.

These criteria ensure that the field is stacked with elite talent while still offering a pathway for emerging stars. ### Players to Watch The defending champion, **Mao Saigo**, will be looking to repeat her 2025 triumph after winning a dramatic playoff. Her composure under pressure makes her a formidable contender.

British hopeful **Charley Hull** is eager to capture her first major after missing the cut last year. Hull has shown steady improvement and will be keen to climb the leaderboard. Rising 22‑year‑old **Lottie Woad** has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent seasons.

Her aggressive play and youthful confidence could translate into a breakthrough performance in Houston. Australian **Hannah Green** enters the tournament on the back of an impressive four‑win streak in 2026, including victories at the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open. Green’s recent form positions her as a top favorite.

South Korean star **Hyo Joo Kim** has also been in fine form, capturing back‑to‑back titles at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship earlier in the year. Former champion **Nelly Korda** has started the season strongly, with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes.

Her blend of power and precision makes her a perennial threat. Two‑time major winner **Annika Sörenstam**—though retired—remains a celebrated figure associated with the event, having joined the exclusive trio of three‑time Chevron champions alongside Amy Alcott and Betsy King. **Lexi Thompson**, the 2014 champion, will be watching closely after a controversial penalty at the 2023 edition.

Her experience and resilience could see her back in contention. European Solheim Cup captain **Anna Nordqvist** is also in the field, hoping to add a fourth major to her résumé while simultaneously evaluating potential teammates for the upcoming Solheim Cup. ### Prize Money and Financial Stakes The 2026 purse has been increased 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 and underscores the tournament’s status as one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA calendar. The winner will pocket a sizable share, with the remainder distributed among the top finishers. ### Broadcasting and How to Watch Sky Sports holds the exclusive broadcast rights for all five women’s majors.

Coverage of The Chevron Championship will run from Thursday, 23 April, through Sunday, 26 April. Early rounds will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf from 4 p.m., with the weekend’s final two rounds airing at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Additional feeds, highlights, and on‑demand content will be available via Sky Sports+.

For viewers without a Sky subscription, the tournament can be streamed through NOW without a contract, providing flexible access for international fans. ### Why This Major Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, The Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the upcoming season. Players who perform well often carry that momentum into the rest of the year, influencing selections for the Solheim Cup and other team events. For many, a strong finish in Houston could be the catalyst that propels them into the top tier of the world rankings.

In summary, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises a compelling mix of history, tradition, and high‑stakes competition. With a world‑class field, a new Texas venue, and a record‑breaking purse, the tournament is set to captivate golf fans worldwide.

Tune in to Sky Sports or stream via NOW to witness who will lift the Dinah Shore Trophy this year.