England’s Charley Hull got off to a tentative start on the opening day of the Chevron Championship, finding herself well off the leading pack, whereas fellow English competitor Mimi Rhodes positioned herself just two strokes behind the early leaders at the clubhouse. Hull’s round concluded with a level‑par 72, leaving her five shots back and tied for 26th place when she finished her first‑round round of the 2026 women’s major.
The result underscored a cautious beginning for a player who has previously come close to victory in this event, having been runner‑up in 2016. Despite the modest score, Hull demonstrated a clean front nine, carding a 35 that featured a birdie on the third hole, but three bogeys on the back nine after the turn hampered her momentum. She did manage to claw back a little, posting two birdies around the final three holes, but the early setbacks kept her out of contention.
Rhodes, on the other hand, opened with a three‑under‑par 69, slotting herself onto the tail end of a leading trio that included Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee, both of whom posted impressive five‑under rounds of 67. Tavatanakit’s round was flawless—no bogeys and five birdies—while Lee produced six birdies before a single‑stroke drop on the last hole.
Rhodes’ confident start was highlighted by two birdies in her first three holes, a brief stumble with a bogey‑five on the fourth, and then a surge of three more birdies to reach the turn in 32. The only blemish on her back nine was a solitary bogey at the 11th, leaving her at three‑under for the day and firmly in the chase. In post‑round comments, Rhodes explained that arriving at the venue a day early on Sunday gave her a valuable opportunity to walk the course and settle her nerves.
“I think I felt ready,” she said. “Getting here on Sunday was probably a benefit to me that I was able to see the course a bit more and just be on site a bit more. I feel a bit more comfortable getting my bearings around. I did as much prep as I could and felt comfortable coming into this round.” She emphasized that her approach was rooted in commitment and confidence, traits she believes are essential for success in a major championship.
Rhodes also reflected on the mental shift she experienced after her strong performance at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished tied for 10th with a six‑under‑par total. “I feel like it was quite different mentally because I had got an invite into there and there wasn’t a cut so you could play more freely,” she explained.
“I’ve kind of taken those emotions out of there because I tend to play well in the first round if I’m confident in myself, if I’m committing to shots, if I’m not worried about the cut line.” With the Chevron Championship being the first major of the season and four more to follow, Rhodes said she intends to keep her game relaxed and avoid excessive pressure. China’s Yan Liu also made a notable impression, posting a four‑under‑par 68 to sit just behind the leading duo. Her performance added depth to the leaderboard and highlighted the increasingly international nature of the competition.
The tournament’s defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, entered the week with the confidence of a recent playoff victory in 2025, where she outlasted four other competitors to claim the title. Saigo’s presence adds another layer of intrigue as she seeks to repeat her success amid a field that includes both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Hull’s journey to the Chevron Championship this year is particularly poignant given that she missed the cut at the same event in Texas the previous season. Her determination to capture her first major remains undiminished, and fans will be watching closely to see if she can translate her experience into a stronger showing in the coming rounds.
For viewers eager to follow the action, live coverage of the second round will commence on Friday at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available without a contract.
The Chevron Championship promises to deliver compelling golf throughout the week, showcasing the skill, strategy, and mental fortitude required at the highest level of women’s professional golf. Beyond the tournament itself, golf enthusiasts can explore a network of more than 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, with easy online booking and competitive pricing. Whether you’re planning a round at a local club or seeking a new destination, the platform offers a streamlined search by course, city, or postal code, ensuring that every golfer can find the perfect venue for their next round. In summary, Day 1 of the 2026 Chevron Championship set the stage for an exciting contest.
While Charley Hull’s cautious start left her trailing the leaders, her clean front‑nine play hints at the potential for a comeback. Mimi Rhodes, buoyed by early confidence and a solid three‑under round, remains firmly in contention and appears ready to capitalize on her momentum.
With seasoned champions and emerging talents all vying for the coveted title, the tournament promises to deliver drama, skill, and memorable moments as the field progresses toward the final round.