The Chevron Championship, the opening major of the 2026 women’s golf season, is a tournament steeped in tradition and drama, and fans will be eager to see which players rise to the occasion. Below is an in-depth look at what makes this event unique, how the field is assembled, where the competition will be staged, and which golfers are most likely to make a splash. ### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Among the five 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 tournament began in 1972, it was not granted major‑championship status until 1983, a move that cemented its importance on the LPGA calendar. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the event, and the trophy awarded to the victor is the Dinah Shore Trophy, named for the beloved singer‑actress who was an enthusiastic golfer and a co‑founder of the tournament.
### From Mission Hills to Houston: A Changing Home The competition debuted at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, where the iconic lake beside the 18th green became a celebrated backdrop for the winner’s plunge. In 2023 the event moved to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, but for 2026 it will be hosted at 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 strategic bunkering, water hazards, and generous fairways that test both power and precision. To honor the famous lake‑jump tradition, organizers are installing a temporary pool adjacent to the 18th‑green pond, ensuring the celebratory splash continues even on the new terrain. ### How Players Earn Their Spot Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, where any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower can qualify, The Chevron Championship reserves its field for the very best performers. Automatic invitations are granted to: * All past Chevron champions and former major winners; * Winners of other LPGA Tour events; * The top ten finishers from the previous year’s Chevron Championship; * The leading two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan, and the LPGA of Korea who are not otherwise exempt; * Eight of the world’s top amateur players, selected through designated qualifying events.
This selective approach creates a high‑caliber roster that typically includes the world’s top‑ranked golfers and rising stars eager to make a name for themselves on a major stage. ### Defending Champion and Leading Contenders The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, will be looking to repeat after clinching the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff.
Her composure under pressure makes her a serious threat to retain the crown. British talent will also be well‑represented. Charley Hull, who missed the cut at the 2025 edition, is determined to break through and claim her first major.
Meanwhile, 22‑year‑old Lottie Woad has enjoyed a meteoric rise and will be eyeing a breakthrough performance in Houston. Australian Hannah Green arrives in top form, having captured four victories in her last five starts of 2026—including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship, and the JM Eagle LA Championship. Her recent run of wins makes her a clear favorite.
South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim is another player to watch, riding the momentum of back‑to‑back wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship earlier in the season. Former champion Nelly Korda, who won the Chevron in 2021, is enjoying a strong start to 2026 as well. She has already secured a victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and has finished runner‑up in three other events this year.
Korda reflected on the mental side of competition, saying, "I’ve been in situations where I finished second and felt proud of the work I put in. It’s about growing into the athlete you want to be and learning from every emotion on the course." ### Legends and Past Winners The tournament boasts a storied list of multiple‑time champions.
Annika Sörenstam, a three‑time Chevron winner, remains one of the most celebrated names in the event’s history, sharing the record for most victories with Amy Alcott and Betsy King. Lexi Thompson, who captured the title in 2014, also has a memorable chapter in Chevron lore: in 2017 she incurred a two‑stroke penalty for a rules infraction on the 12th green, ultimately finishing tied for second.
### Prize Money and Its Growth The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to $8 million (approximately £5.91 million). This marks a substantial jump from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021 and positions the Chevron Championship among the most lucrative events on the LPGA Tour, providing a significant financial incentive for the competitors. ### Implications for the Solheim Cup Team Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain, Anna Nordqvist, will be watching the tournament closely. A strong finish at the Chevron could boost her confidence and give her insight into the form of European players she may select for the September showdown against the United States.
Players aiming for a captain’s pick or an automatic qualification spot will be motivated to climb as high as possible on the leaderboard. ### How to Watch the Action Sky Sports holds the broadcasting rights for all five women’s majors. The Chevron Championship will be shown live across four days, from Thursday, 23 April, to Sunday, 26 April. Early-round coverage begins at 4 p.m.
on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf. The final two rounds will be aired from 7 p.m.
on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf, with additional feeds, highlights, and analysis available on Sky Sports+. Viewers can also stream the tournament without a contract through the NOW platform. ### Summary The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of historic tradition, a challenging new venue, and a field packed with world‑class talent.
Whether you are rooting for the defending champion Mao Saigo, the in‑form Australian Hannah Green, the determined British hopefuls, or any of the seasoned major winners, the tournament offers a compelling narrative from start to finish. Tune in to Sky Sports or stream via NOW to witness the drama unfold and see who will add their name to the distinguished list of Chevron champions.