The Chevron Championship stands out as a marquee event on the women’s golf calendar, and the 2026 edition promises to deliver plenty of excitement for fans and players alike. This guide explains why the tournament is special, how competitors earn their spots, where the competition will be staged, and which golfers are poised to make a splash.

All of this will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving viewers a front‑row seat to the first women’s major of the 2026 season. ### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Among the five recognised women’s major championships, The Chevron Championship is 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 elevated to major‑status until 1983. The 2026 event marks the 56th edition of the competition and continues the tradition of awarding the Dinah Shore Trophy to the champion. The trophy honors the late Dinah Shore, a celebrated singer‑actress who loved golf and was instrumental in founding the tournament. Originally a 54‑hole affair held at Mission Hill Country Club in California, the championship has grown into a 72‑hole, four‑day spectacle with one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour.

Over the decades the event has migrated to different venues, most recently moving to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas for the 2023 and 2024 editions. In 2026 the tournament will shift once more, this time to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. Memorial Park is a classic par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a demanding test of skill with its mix of long fairways, strategic bunkering and fast greens.

### Unique Traditions That Define the Event One of the most beloved quirks of The Chevron Championship is the winner’s plunge into water after securing the title. The tradition began in 1988 when three‑time champion Amy Alcott celebrated her victory by jumping into the lake beside the 18th green at Mission Hill.

Since then, every champion has taken the plunge, turning the moment into a signature photo‑op for the sport. For the 2026 edition, tournament officials are taking the tradition to the next level by installing a temporary pool next to the 18th‑hole green at Memorial Park, ensuring the winning player will have a proper splash‑zone for their celebratory dive.

### How Players Qualify Entry to The Chevron Championship is far more exclusive than some other majors such as the AIG Women’s Open, which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to compete. The Chevron field is limited to the very best players in the world.

Automatic invitations are granted to: * Past Chevron champions and former major winners * Winners of 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 Tour, and the LPGA of Korea Tour who are not otherwise exempt * Eight top amateur players selected by the tournament committee This selective process ensures a high‑quality field that showcases the sport’s elite talent. ### Players to Watch in 2026 The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, will be looking to repeat her 2025 triumph after winning in a dramatic playoff. Saigo’s composure under pressure makes her a strong contender for back‑to‑back titles. British talent is also well represented.

Charley Hull, who missed the cut in the previous edition, is eager to secure her first major victory and will be focused on making the weekend rounds. Young English prodigy Lottie Woad, only 22, has risen rapidly through the ranks and will be eyeing a breakthrough performance on the Houston stage. From Down Under, Australian Hannah Green arrives in hot form. She has claimed four of her last five victories in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship, and the JM Eagle LA Championship.

Green’s aggressive ball‑striking and calm demeanor make her a favorite to contend. South Korean star Hyo‑Joo Kim is another in‑form competitor, having captured consecutive titles at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship earlier in the season. Her consistent play and strong iron game position her well for a deep run.

American Nelly Korda, a former Chevron champion, has started the year with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes. Korda’s recent comments reflect her mental growth: “I’ve learned a lot about handling emotions on the course.

Those experiences make me a stronger competitor.” Legendary former champion Annika Sörenstam, who shares the record of three Chevron victories with Amy Alcott and Betsy King, remains an iconic figure associated with the event, though she no longer competes. Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, will also be in the mix.

Thompson’s career has seen highs and lows, including a memorable rules controversy at the 2017 edition that resulted in a two‑stroke penalty. Her experience and resilience could see her contend once again. Team Europe’s Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist will be watching closely, hoping to secure a fourth major while also assessing European players for September’s Solheim Cup.

Strong finishes at the Chevron could boost a player’s chances of earning a captain’s pick. ### Prize Money and Stakes The 2026 purse has been boosted by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 million (approximately £5.91 million). This represents a dramatic increase from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021, cementing the tournament as one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA Tour.

The winner will pocket a sizable share, while the remaining top finishers will also enjoy substantial payouts. ### Broadcast Details Sky Sports holds the exclusive rights to all five women’s majors.

Coverage of The Chevron Championship will run from Thursday, 23 April, through Sunday, 26 April. Early rounds will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf from 4 pm each day, with the weekend’s final two rounds beginning at 7 pm. Sky Sports+ will provide additional feeds, highlights and on‑demand replays for viewers who want comprehensive access. ### Why the 2026 Chevron Championship Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, the tournament serves as a key early‑season indicator for players targeting the Solheim Cup later in the year.

Strong performances can improve world rankings, secure captain’s picks, and build momentum for the rest of the LPGA schedule. For fans, the event offers a blend of high‑stakes competition, historic tradition, and the excitement of watching the world’s best women golfers battle on a storied Texas course.

Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated golf enthusiast, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. Tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage, and watch as the next champion makes a splash—both on the leaderboard and literally in the pool beside the 18th green.