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 is teed up. From its historic roots to the modern traditions that make it a fan favourite, this guide will walk you through everything you need to understand about the tournament, the venue, the qualification process, and the players poised to make a splash.
### A Brief History of the Event Among the five majors on the LPGA Tour, The Chevron Championship is the third‑oldest, trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship. Although the competition began in 1972, it did not achieve major‑championship status until 1983.
The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the event and will feature a field of 132 elite golfers all vying for the Dinah Shore Trophy – a nod to the beloved singer‑actress who was a passionate golfer and one of the founders of the tournament. Originally a 54‑hole competition, the championship has expanded over the decades into a full‑four‑day, 72‑hole showdown with one of the deepest prize purses in women’s golf. The growth of the tournament mirrors the rise of the LPGA itself, turning the event into a must‑watch fixture on the global golf calendar.
### The New Home: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After decades at Mission Hills Country Club in California and a recent stint at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, the 2026 Chevron Championship moves to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. This par‑72 municipal course is a regular host of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a challenging layout that blends tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and a demanding finishing stretch. In a nod to tradition, the organizers are taking the famous “jump‑into‑the‑pond” celebration to the next level. Grounds staff will construct a temporary pool beside the 18th‑green pond, ensuring the champion can make a splash—literally—after securing the title.
### How Players Earn Their Spot Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which opens its doors to any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower, the Chevron Championship maintains a highly selective entry list. Invitations are extended to: * Past champions and former major winners * Winners of LPGA Tour events * The top‑10 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 top amateur players, chosen based on world amateur rankings This elite composition ensures that the field is packed with the sport’s most accomplished competitors, making for a high‑stakes, high‑quality competition. ### Players to Watch **Mao Saigo (Defending Champion)** – The Japanese star captured the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff and will be looking to repeat her triumph on Houston’s greens. **Charley Hull (Great Britain)** – After missing the cut at last year’s event, Hull is eager to secure her first major win and will be watching the leaderboard closely.
**Lottie Woad (Great Britain)** – The 22‑year‑old’s meteoric rise has turned heads; a strong showing in Houston could catapult her into major‑winner status. **Hannah Green (Australia)** – Riding a hot streak, Green has claimed four victories in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open.
She enters the field as a clear favourite. **Hyo Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Kim has been dominant early in the season, winning back‑to‑back titles at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship. Her form makes her a serious contender. **Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has already logged a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes this year.
Her confidence is high, and she has spoken openly about the mental growth required to stay at the top. **Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)** – Though retired, Sörenstam’s legacy looms large; she remains the only three‑time champion alongside Amy Alcott and Betsy King.
**Lexi Thompson (USA)** – Thompson’s 2014 victory is her sole major title. A recent rules controversy in 2021 tested her resolve, but she remains a fan favourite and a potential dark horse.
**Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)** – The 2026 Solheim Cup captain will be watching the tournament closely, hoping a strong finish will boost her confidence heading into the September team event. ### The Prize Money Surge 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, solidifying the Chevron Championship as one of the most financially rewarding stops on the LPGA Tour.
### Broadcasting Details Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to all five women’s majors. The Chevron Championship will be broadcast live across all four days: * **Thursday & Friday (Rounds 1‑2)** – Coverage begins at 4 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf. * **Saturday & Sunday (Rounds 3‑4)** – Live action starts at 7 pm on Sky Sports Golf. * **Sky Sports+** provides additional feeds, highlights, and on‑demand replays for viewers who want deeper analysis.
Fans can also stream the tournament via NOW without a contract, ensuring easy access for those without a traditional satellite subscription. ### 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 place on either the European or American Solheim Cup teams, as captains often look to recent major results when making their selections.
Moreover, the event’s generous purse and high‑visibility platform attract sponsors and elevate the profiles of emerging talent. ### Final Thoughts With a storied past, a fresh venue, a record‑breaking purse, and a field stacked with world‑class talent, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises to deliver drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprise breakthroughs. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan tracking every statistic or a casual viewer tuning in for the iconic pond jump, the tournament offers something for everyone. Catch all the action live on Sky Sports and witness history in the making as the women’s golf world converges on Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course.