The Chevron Championship stands out as the premier women’s major kicking off the 2026 season, and there’s a lot to know before the first tee is teed up. This guide walks you through the tournament’s history, the venue shift to Houston, the qualification criteria, the leading contenders, and how you can catch every swing on Sky Sports.

### A Brief History of the Event 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 didn’t receive major status until 1983. The tournament began in 1972 as a tribute to Dinah Shore, the beloved singer‑actress who loved golf and helped launch the event. In 2026 the competition will be in its 56th edition, featuring 132 of the world’s top women golfers vying for the Dinah Shore Trophy.

Originally a 54‑hole affair held at Mission Hills Country Club in California, the championship has grown dramatically over the decades. It now commands one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour, reflecting its importance in the women’s game.

### The New Home: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After two years at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, the 2026 edition moves a short distance north to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. The par‑72 layout is a regular stop for the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a blend of tight fairways, strategic bunkering and a challenging finishing stretch. Organisers have even gone the extra mile to preserve the tournament’s most iconic tradition: a celebratory splash.

This year, grounds staff will install a temporary pool beside the 18th‑green pond so the champion can make a splash—literally—after the final putt. ### How Players Earn Their Spot Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which opens its doors to any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or better, the Chevron Championship is a more exclusive affair.

Entry is reserved for: * Past champions and former major winners. * Winners of LPGA Tour events.

* 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 otherwise exempt.

* Eight of the world’s highest‑rated amateur golfers. This selective approach ensures that the field is packed with the sport’s elite, setting the stage for high‑quality competition. ### Players to Watch **Mao Saigo (Japan)** – The defending champion will be looking to repeat after clinching the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff.

Saigo’s composure under pressure makes her a formidable contender. **Charley Hull (England)** – After missing the cut last year, Hull is eager to secure her first major. A powerful ball‑striker with a keen short‑game, she could surprise the field.

**Lottie Woad (England)** – At just 22, Woad’s meteoric rise has turned heads. Her aggressive style and recent top‑10 finishes suggest she could be in contention for her maiden major win. **Hannah Green (Australia)** – Green has been unstoppable in 2026, winning four of her last five starts, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Australian Open.

She enters Houston as a clear favorite. **Hyo Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Fresh off back‑to‑back victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, Kim’s recent form makes her a serious threat. **Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has started the season with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes. Her confidence is high, and she has spoken openly about the mental growth required to stay at the top.

**Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)** – Though retired, Sörenstam’s legacy looms large; she remains the only player, alongside Alcott and Betsy King, to have won the event three times. **Lexi Thompson (USA)** – Thompson captured the title in 2014, her sole major. A recent rules controversy at the 2021 edition saw her incur a two‑stroke penalty, but she remains a fan favourite and a potential dark horse.

**Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)** – The European Solheim Cup captain will be eyeing a fourth major 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. This represents a dramatic jump from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021, cementing the event as one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA calendar.

The winner’s share alone will be a life‑changing sum for any golfer. ### Broadcast Details Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to all five women’s majors.

Coverage of the Chevron Championship runs from Thursday, 23 April, through Sunday, 26 April. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) start at 4 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf. The weekend’s final two rounds begin at 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf, with additional feeds and highlights available via Sky Sports+. For viewers who prefer streaming, the tournament can be watched live without a contract through the NOW platform.

Golf enthusiasts can also tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast for analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes stories. ### Why This Major Matters Beyond the hefty purse and historic prestige, the Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the season ahead.

Players who perform well in Houston often carry momentum into the Solheim Cup later in the year, while a strong finish can secure a captain’s pick for either the European or U.S. teams.

The tournament’s unique traditions—most notably the champion’s plunge into water—add a festive, memorable element that distinguishes it from other majors. ### How to Get Involved If you’re a golfer looking to book a round at a top‑rated course, Sky Sports partners with over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. Simply enter a city or postcode on their booking portal to find the best rates.

### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of history, drama, and elite competition. Whether you’re a seasoned fan tracking the world’s best or a casual viewer drawn in by the splash‑down celebration, the tournament offers plenty of storylines to follow. Tune in to Sky Sports for live action, and keep an eye on the leaderboard as the field battles for the coveted Dinah Shore Trophy and a slice of that $8 million prize pool.