England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes has thrust herself into the mix at the Chevron Championship, while fellow Englishman Charley Hull has started the tournament a few strokes off the pace. The opening round of the first women’s major of the 2026 season delivered a dramatic leaderboard, highlighted by World No. 2 Nelly Korda’s flawless performance and a string of solid showings from newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.
Korda set the tone with a pristine, bogey‑free 65, finishing seven under par – her strongest start to a major in four years. Her round gave her a two‑stroke cushion over Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, who posted a five‑under 67, and South Korea’s Somi Lee, also at five under. The American amateur Farah O’Keefe proved she could compete with the pros, carding a 68 to share a four‑way tie for fourth place. Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, making her debut at the Chevron, recorded a respectable 69, which placed her in a ten‑way tie for eighth after the first day.
When asked about her performance, Rhodes said, “I felt ready. Getting to the course on Sunday gave me the chance to walk the fairways a bit more and get a feel for the layout. I was able to settle in, see the nuances of each hole, and that comfort translated into confidence when I stepped up to tee the first round.” She added that the extra preparation time helped her “commit to each shot and stay relaxed,” which she believes was crucial to her solid start.
Rhodes also reflected on the lessons she learned from her recent showing at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th place. “That event was different because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely without the pressure of making the weekend. I took that mental freedom and applied it here, focusing on my own game rather than the cut line,” she explained. The English contingent featured another headline name, Charley Hull, who opened with an even‑par 72.
Hull’s round left her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th at the time of her finish. Despite the modest score, Hull displayed moments of brilliance, including a birdie on the third hole and a solid front‑nine of 35. However, three bogeys after the turn kept her from climbing higher on the leaderboard.
Hull, who was runner‑up at the Chevron in 2016, remains eager to capture her first major title after missing the cut in Texas the previous year. Tavatanakit’s round was flawless through the front nine, where she recorded five birdies without a single bogey, while Lee managed six birdies before a late‑round stumble cost her a shot. China’s Yan Liu also made an impression, posting a four‑under 68 to sit just behind the early leaders before Rhodes settled into a three‑under group.
Rhodes’ opening three holes were a flurry of birdies, giving her an early boost. A setback arrived on the fourth hole, where a bogey‑five halted her momentum, but she quickly recovered with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes. The only blemish on her back nine was a single bogey at the 11th, leaving her with a solid overall performance that positioned her well for the next round.
Beyond the individual scores, the tournament’s broader narrative includes defending champion Mao Saigo, who entered the week after clinching a dramatic playoff victory in 2025. Saigo will look to repeat her success as the field tightens over the coming days. Looking ahead, Rhodes emphasized her strategy for the remainder of the championship: “I try not to overthink the cut line.
If I’m confident in my swing and commit to each shot, the results follow. This is the first major of the year, and there are three more to go, so I plan to stay relaxed, play my natural game, and let the tournament unfold.” The Chevron Championship will continue to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event, with the second round slated to begin on Friday at 4 p.m.
Viewers can also stream the event without a contract through various online platforms. For golf enthusiasts looking to experience the sport firsthand, Sky Sports offers booking options for over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, providing a convenient way to enjoy a round on a local course.
As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify. With Korda holding a two‑stroke lead, the field will be watching closely to see if Rhodes can maintain her momentum and challenge the top spot, or if Hull can find the extra gear needed to close the gap. The Chevron Championship promises thrilling golf, strategic play, and the potential for new champions to emerge as the 2026 season unfolds.