England's rising star Mimi Rhodes has put herself firmly in the mix at the Chevron Championship, even as world No. 2 Nelly Korda seized the early advantage in the first women’s major of the 2026 season.
Korda delivered a flawless, bogey‑free round of 65, seven under par, marking her best start to a major in four years and establishing a two‑stroke lead over Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee. Amateur Farah O'Keefe from the United States also impressed, sharing a four‑way tie for fourth place after carding a solid 68. Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, making her debut at the tournament, posted a respectable 69, which placed her in a ten‑player tie for eighth after the first round. "I think I felt ready," Rhodes said after her round.
"Getting here on Sunday was probably a benefit to me because 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 preparation as I could and, yeah, felt comfortable coming into this round. So it was just about committing and being confident out there, which I think I did." Rhodes reflected on the confidence she gained from her recent performance at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th place.
"That event was different mentally because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely," she explained. "I’ve taken those emotions and applied them here because I tend to play well in the first round when I’m confident, when I’m committing to my shots and not worrying about the cut line. That’s exactly what I aimed to do in this major – stay relaxed, play my golf and not put too much pressure on myself.
There are four more majors to go, so I want to keep this momentum going." Charley Hull, Rhodes’ compatriot and world No. 4, began her quest for a first major title with an even‑par 72, leaving her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after round one. Hull, who was runner‑up at the 2016 Chevron Championship, is still searching for that elusive victory and returned to the event after missing the cut in Texas the previous year.
Tavatanakit posted a bogey‑free front nine, making five birdies, while Lee recorded six birdies before a late bogey on the 18th. China’s Yan Liu also made a statement, shooting a 68 to sit at four under, just ahead of Rhodes, who was tied on three under after her round. Rhodes got off to a quick start, carding two birdies in the first three holes before a bogey on the fourth tempered her momentum. She recovered with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and the only blemish on her back nine was a single bogey at the 11th.
Hull, on the other hand, enjoyed a flawless front nine of 35, highlighted by a birdie on the third hole, but three bogeys after the turn knocked her rhythm. She managed to finish the round with two birdies flanking a dropped shot in the final three holes, showing resilience despite the setbacks. The tournament’s defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, entered the week with the confidence of a player who survived a dramatic playoff to claim the 2025 title.
Fans and analysts alike are watching to see if she can repeat her success or if Korda’s early surge will prove decisive. As the second round approaches, Sky Sports will continue its live coverage, beginning Friday at 4 pm on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. Viewers can also stream the Chevron Championship without a contract, ensuring that the excitement of the first women’s major of the season remains accessible to a global audience.
Beyond the competition, golf enthusiasts are reminded of the broader opportunities to enjoy the sport across the UK and Ireland. With over 1,700 courses available for booking, players of all skill levels can find a venue that suits their preferences. The online booking platform allows users to search by course name, city, or postal code, though occasional searches may return no results, prompting a new query.
In summary, the opening round of the 2026 Chevron Championship has set the stage for a compelling battle. Korda’s flawless 65 puts her in a commanding position, while Rhodes’ confident debut suggests she could be a dark horse for the title. Hull remains in pursuit of her first major, hoping to improve on her even‑par start.
The remaining three majors will test consistency, mental fortitude, and the ability to adapt to the demanding conditions of elite competition. Stay tuned as the story unfolds on the fairways of Houston.