The Chevron Championship stands out as the premier women’s major kicking off the 2026 season, and there’s a lot to know before the first tee shot. This guide walks you through the tournament’s history, venue, qualification rules, key contenders, and how you can catch every moment on Sky Sports.

### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Among the five 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 event dates back to 1972, it only received major status in 1983. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the competition, with a field of 132 elite players vying for the coveted Dinah Shore Trophy, named after the beloved singer‑actress who helped launch the tournament.

Originally a 54‑hole competition held at Mission Hills Country Club in California, the championship has evolved into a full‑four‑day, 72‑hole showdown with one of the sport’s richest purses. The event’s prestige has grown alongside its prize money, making it a magnet for the world’s top talent. ### The New Home: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After a brief stint at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, the 2026 tournament moves to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. This par‑72 municipal course is a staple on the PGA Tour, regularly hosting the Houston Open, and now provides a fresh backdrop for the women’s major.

In a nod to tradition, organizers are installing a temporary pool beside the 18th‑hole green so the champion can continue the famous pond‑jump celebration that began when three‑time winner Amy Alcott leapt into the water at Mission Hills in 1988. ### How Players 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 reserves its roster for the cream of the crop. Automatic entries 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 already exempt - Eight of the world’s highest‑rated amateur golfers This selective process ensures that the field is stacked with seasoned pros and rising stars, creating a highly competitive atmosphere.

### Players to Watch **Mao Saigo (Defending Champion)** – Saigo entered 2025 as a relative unknown but clinched the title after a dramatic playoff. She will be looking to repeat her success on the Houston greens. **Charley Hull (Great Britain)** – After missing the cut in 2025, Hull is determined to break through and claim her first major.

**Lottie Woad (England)** – The 22‑year‑old’s meteoric ascent has turned heads; she will be eager to add a major to her résumé. **Hannah Green (Australia)** – Riding a hot streak, Green has already captured four titles this year, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open. She enters as a favorite. **Hyo‑Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Kim’s back‑to‑back victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship signal she’s in peak form.

**Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has already won the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions this season and finished runner‑up in three other events, showcasing remarkable consistency. **Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)** – Though retired, Sörenstam’s legacy looms large; she is one of only three three‑time winners of the event. **Lexi Thompson (USA)** – Thompson captured the title in 2014 and remains a threat, despite a recent rules controversy that cost her a two‑stroke penalty.

**Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)** – The 2026 Solheim Cup captain will be watching the leaderboard closely, hoping a strong finish will boost her chances for a fourth major and inform her captain’s picks for the upcoming Solheim Cup. ### Prize Money and Financial Stakes The 2026 purse has been boosted by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 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’s share alone will be a life‑changing sum for any golfer. ### Broadcast Details – How to Watch Live Sky Sports holds the exclusive rights to all five women’s majors. Coverage of The Chevron Championship runs from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) start at 4 p.m.

on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, while the weekend’s final two rounds begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf. Subscribers can also stream every day via Sky Sports+ for additional feeds and highlights. ### Why This Major Matters The Chevron Championship is more than just the season opener; it sets the tone for the rest of the year.

A strong performance can secure a player’s spot on national teams for events like the Solheim Cup, while a win adds a coveted major to a golfer’s legacy. With a field packed with world‑class talent, a historic venue, and a prize pool that rivals any men’s tournament, the 2026 edition promises drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. ### Final Thoughts Whether you’re a die‑hard golf aficionado or a casual viewer, the 2026 Chevron Championship offers a perfect blend of tradition, competition, and spectacle. Tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage, keep an eye on the leaderboard, and watch history unfold as the world’s best women golfers battle for the Dinah Shore Trophy at Memorial Park Golf Course.

The question on everyone’s mind: Who will lift the trophy and add their name to the distinguished list of Chevron champions?