The Chevron Championship stands out as the premier women’s major that kicks off the 2026 season, and there are several reasons why it captures the imagination of fans and players alike. This guide will walk you through the tournament’s history, its new home in Houston, the ways players earn a spot in the field, and the top contenders you should be watching as the competition unfolds on Sky Sports. ### A Brief History and the Rise to Major Status Among 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 event was first staged in 1972 by entertainer Dinah Shore—an avid golfer who helped bring the tournament to life—it did not become an official major until 1983. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the competition, and the trophy awarded to the winner still bears Dinah Shore’s name in tribute to her lasting legacy.
Initially a 54‑hole affair, the championship has expanded over the decades into a full‑week, 72‑hole showcase that now boasts one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour. The growth in stature has been matched by an increase in global interest, with fans tuning in from all corners of the world to watch the best women golfers compete for a purse that now exceeds $8 million.
### New Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas The tournament has moved several times throughout its history. After a long stint at Mission Hills Country Club in California, the event shifted to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas in 2023. For 2026 the championship settles at Memorial Park Golf Course, a classic par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open.
The course is known for its tight fairways, strategic bunkering and a dramatic finishing stretch that culminates at the 18th green. One of the most beloved traditions of The Chevron Championship is the champion’s plunge into water after sinking the final putt. This custom began in 1988 when three‑time winner Amy Alcott celebrated by jumping into the lake beside the 18th green at Mission Hills. To keep the tradition alive at Memorial Park, tournament officials have even installed a temporary pool next to the 18th‑hole green so the victor can make a splash in true Chevron style.
### How Players Qualify Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which opens its doors to any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower, The Chevron Championship is a more exclusive affair. The field is composed of: * Past Chevron champions and other major winners who receive automatic invitations.
* The top ten finishers from the previous year’s Chevron Championship. * Leading players from the LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET), LPGA of Japan, and LPGA of Korea who are not already exempt. * Eight of the world’s highest‑ranked amateur golfers, selected based on their performance in elite amateur events. This selective entry list ensures that the competition is truly a gathering of the sport’s elite, with every participant having earned a spot through merit or past achievement.
### Defending Champion and Leading Contenders Mao Saigo enters Houston as the defending champion after clinching the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff. She will be looking to repeat her success and become the first back‑to‑back winner since the tournament’s early days.
Other notable players include: * **Charley Hull (GBR)** – A former world No. 1 who missed the cut in 2025, Hull is eager to secure her first major victory. * **Lottie Woad (GBR)** – The 22‑year‑old’s meteoric rise has made her a rising star; a win in Houston would cement her status among the sport’s new elite. * **Hannah Green (AUS)** – In superb form, Green has captured four titles in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Australian Open.
She is widely regarded as a favourite. * **Hyo‑Joo Kim (KOR)** – Riding a hot streak after back‑to‑back wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, Kim is another strong contender. * **Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has posted a solid start to the season with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes. * **Annika Sörenstam (SWE)** – Though retired, the legendary Swede remains a symbolic figure; her three‑time Chevron triumph ties her with Alcott and Betsy King for the most victories in the event.
* **Lexi Thompson (USA)** – The 2014 champion still possesses the firepower to win, despite a recent rules controversy that resulted in a two‑stroke penalty. * **Anna Nordqvist (SWE)** – Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain, Nordqvist hopes to add a fourth major to her résumé while also scouting talent for the upcoming Solheim Cup. ### Prize Money and Financial Significance The 2026 purse has risen by $100,000 to a staggering $8 million, a dramatic jump from the $3.1 million total offered in 2021. The winner’s share alone exceeds $1.2 million, making the tournament one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA calendar.
This financial boost reflects the growing commercial appeal of women’s golf and the tournament’s status as a marquee event. ### Broadcast Details and How to Watch Sky Sports holds the exclusive UK rights to all five women’s majors, and the Chevron Championship will be broadcast live across four days, from 23 to 26 April. Coverage begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, with the weekend rounds starting at 7 p.m.
on Saturday and Sunday. Sky Sports+ offers additional feeds, highlights and behind‑the‑scenes content for fans who want comprehensive access.
For viewers outside the UK, the tournament can be streamed via NOW without a contract, providing a flexible option for international audiences. ### Why This Major Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, the Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the rest of the season. Players who finish high on the leaderboard improve their chances of earning a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup, the biennial showdown between Europe and the United States.
With the 2026 Solheim Cup slated for September, many competitors will view Houston as an early test of form and confidence. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of tradition, drama, and world‑class competition. From the historic lake‑jump celebration—now upgraded to a purpose‑built pool—to the deep field of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers, the tournament offers something for every golf fan. Tune in to Sky Sports or stream the event to witness who will add their name to the Dinah Shore Trophy and claim the first major title of the 2026 season.