England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes positioned herself as a serious contender 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 strokes 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. American amateur Farah O'Keefe joined a four‑way tie for fourth place after carding a solid 68, while LPGA rookie Rhodes posted a 69 on her debut, landing her in a ten‑player tie for eighth. Rhodes reflected on her preparation, saying, “I think I felt ready. Getting here on Sunday helped me see the course a bit more and be on site longer.
I felt more comfortable finding my bearings. I did as much prep as I could and felt confident coming into this round. It was all about committing to my shots and staying confident, which I think I managed.” Rhodes also highlighted lessons learned from her performance at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six‑under and tied for 10th. “That event was mentally different because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely,” she explained.
She added that she had deliberately stripped away the pressure that often accompanies a cut line, focusing instead on the confidence that comes from a strong opening round. “I tend to play well in the first round when I’m confident, committed, and not worried about the cut. That’s the mindset I brought to this major. It’s the first of four majors this year, so I’m trying to stay relaxed and not put too much pressure on myself.” Charley Hull, another English player and world No.
4, began her quest for a maiden major title with a level‑par 72, placing her five strokes behind Korda and tied for 26th after the first round. Hull, who was runner‑up at the 2016 Chevron Championship, has returned after missing the cut in Texas the previous year and is eager to improve on that result. The opening round saw a variety of performances across the leaderboard.
Tavatanakit posted a bogey‑free round featuring five birdies in her first 18 holes, while Lee recorded six birdies before a late bogey on the final hole. China’s Yan Liu, after a 68, sat four strokes under par, briefly joining the early leaders before Rhodes settled into a group tied at three under. Rhodes’ round started strongly with two birdies in her first three holes, though a bogey on the fourth hole slowed 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, finishing with a solid 69.
Hull’s front nine was flawless, carding a 35 that included a birdie on the third hole. However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her position, though she rallied with two birdies around a dropped shot on the final three holes, ending with a respectable even‑par 72. Defending champion Mao Saigo entered the tournament after triumphing in a playoff at the 2025 Chevron Championship, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition. As the second round approaches, viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available without a contract.
Beyond the immediate tournament, the 2026 LPGA Tour schedule continues to unfold, offering fans a full calendar of events across the globe, while the Ladies European Tour also releases its 2026 itinerary. Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to explore booking opportunities at over 1,700 courses throughout the UK and Ireland, with convenient search tools for location‑based pricing.
In summary, the Chevron Championship has delivered an exciting start: Korda’s dominant, bogey‑free performance, Rhodes’ confident debut, and Hull’s steady but slightly off‑pace round set the stage for a compelling battle over the next three majors. The tournament’s narrative will develop as players adjust to the course, manage pressure, and strive for the coveted Chevron title.