The Chevron Championship stands out as the inaugural women’s major of the 2026 season, and fans are eager to know what makes this tournament unique, how players earn a spot, where the competition will be staged, and which athletes are most likely to shine. Below is a comprehensive guide that covers the history, venue, traditions, qualification routes, key contenders, and broadcast details, ensuring you are fully prepared for the action that will unfold on Sky Sports. ### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Out of the five recognised women’s majors, The Chevron Championship is the third‑oldest, trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship.
Although the tournament dates back to 1972, it was elevated to major‑status in 1983, cementing its importance on the LPGA calendar. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the event, and it will feature a field of 132 elite golfers competing for the coveted Dinah Shore Trophy, named after the legendary singer‑actress who was instrumental in founding the competition.
### Evolution of the Format and Prize Money Originally a 54‑hole competition, the Chevron Championship has grown into a full‑stroke event that now offers one of the largest purses in women’s golf. This year the total prize fund has risen by $100,000, reaching an impressive $8 million, a dramatic increase from the $3.1 million offered in 2021. The larger purse underscores the tournament’s prestige and its role in attracting the world’s top talent. ### The New Host Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After debuting at Mission Hills Country Club in California and then moving to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas in 2023, the championship will be played in 2026 at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston.
Memorial Park is a par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, providing a challenging yet fair test for the LPGA field. The course’s 18th hole will feature a temporary pool installed by the grounds crew, a nod to the iconic lake‑jump tradition that began when three‑time champion Amy Alcott celebrated her 1988 victory by leaping into the water at Mission Hills. ### Qualification Pathways: Only the Best Earn Their Spot Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to qualify, the Chevron Championship limits entry to the sport’s elite.
Automatic exemptions are granted to past champions, former major winners, and recent LPGA tournament victors. The top ten finishers from the previous year’s Chevron also receive invitations.
Additional spots are allocated to the leading two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan, and the LPGA of Korea who are not otherwise exempt, and eight of the world’s top amateurs will join the professional ranks. ### Defending Champion and Leading Contenders Defending champion Mao Saigo will be looking to repeat her 2025 triumph, where she secured the title after a dramatic playoff.
Among the British hopefuls, Charley Hull aims to capture her first major after missing the cut last year, while 22‑year‑old Lottie Woad continues her meteoric rise and will be eager to add a major to her résumé. Australian Hannah Green enters the tournament as a hot favourite. She has claimed four victories in her last five starts in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship, and the JM Eagle LA Championship. South Korea’s Hyo‑Joo Kim is also in fine form, having won back‑to‑back titles at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship in March.
Former champion Nelly Korda enjoys a strong start to the season, with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes in her four starts this year. Korda reflected on the mental challenges of consistently finishing near the top, emphasizing personal growth and emotional resilience as key to her success.
Legendary figures such as Annika Sörenstam, a three‑time Chevron champion, and Lexi Thompson, who captured the title in 2014, add historical depth to the field. Thompson’s 2017 experience, where a two‑stroke penalty for a rules infraction cost her the win, serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can decide a major. ### European Influence and Solheim Cup Implications Team Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain, Anna Nordqvist, will be competing with an eye toward the September showdown between Europe and the United States. Strong performances at the Chevron could bolster her case for a captain’s pick or automatic qualification, making the tournament a strategic stepping stone for players targeting Solheim Cup selection.
### Broadcast Details and How to Watch Sky Sports holds the exclusive rights to all five women’s majors and will provide live coverage of the Chevron Championship from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26. Early rounds will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf starting at 4 pm each day, while the weekend’s final two rounds will kick off at 7 pm on Sky Sports Golf.
Subscribers can also access additional feeds, highlights, and on‑demand content via Sky Sports+. For viewers who prefer streaming, the event can be watched without a contract through NOW, and the Sky Sports Golf Podcast offers pre‑ and post‑round analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights. ### Why This Major Matters Beyond the substantial purse and historic prestige, the Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the rest of the season. A strong showing can propel a player into the top‑10 of the world rankings, secure a place on national teams, and build momentum heading into the summer’s marquee events.
Conversely, an early exit may prompt players to reassess their preparation and strategy. ### Final Thoughts Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated follower of women’s golf, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises drama, tradition, and world‑class competition. From the splash‑down celebration at the 18th green to the battle among the sport’s brightest stars, the tournament encapsulates everything that makes women’s golf compelling.
Tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage, and witness who will lift the Dinah Shore Trophy this year.