England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes signaled her arrival as a genuine contender at the Chevron Championship, while fellow Briton Charley Hull found herself lagging behind as Nelly Korda seized the early advantage in the first women’s major of the 2026 season. World No. 2 Nelly Korda produced a flawless, bogey‑free round of 65, seven under par, marking her best opening score at a major in four years.
Her performance in Houston vaulted her to a two‑stroke lead over Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee, both of whom posted solid rounds to sit just behind the American. Amateur Farah O’Keefe, representing the United States, joined a four‑way tie for fourth place after carding an opening 68.
Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, making her debut at the tournament, posted a 69 and found herself in a ten‑player tie for eighth, a remarkable start for a newcomer on such a grand stage. “I think I felt ready,” Rhodes explained after her round. “Getting here on Sunday was probably a benefit to me because I was able to see the course a bit more and just be on site a bit more.” She added that the extra time allowed her to become familiar with the layout, giving her confidence as she approached the second round. Rhodes continued, “I feel a bit more comfortable getting my bearings around.
I did as much preparation as I could and, yeah, felt comfortable coming into this round. So, it was just about committing and being confident out there, which I think I managed.” She reflected on her recent showing at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th place. “That tournament was mentally different because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely,” she said. “I’ve taken those emotions out of the equation now.
I tend to play well in the first round when I’m confident, when I’m committing to my shots, and when I’m not worried about the cut line.” Rhodes emphasized her mindset heading into the Chevron Championship: “I’m here for the first major of the year, with three more to go. I just want to play relaxed golf and not put too much pressure on myself.” Charley Hull, ranked world No.
4 and a former runner‑up in 2016, opened with a level‑par 72, placing her five strokes behind Korda and tied for 26th after the first round. Hull’s round was steady but lacked the firepower needed to challenge the leader, and she will need to improve her score dramatically in the coming days if she hopes to contend for her first major title. Patty Tavatanakit delivered a flawless front nine, birdieing five of the first 18 holes without a single bogey, while Somi Lee recorded six birdies before a late‑day stumble cost her a shot.
China’s Yan Liu also made an early impact, posting a four‑under 68 to sit just behind the leading duo. Rhodes’s round began aggressively; she birdied two of her first three holes before a bogey on the fourth halted her momentum.
She recovered with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and a solitary bogey on the 11th was the only blemish on her back nine, leaving her at three under par. Hull’s front nine was flawless as well, carding a 35 that included a birdie on the third hole. However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her position, though she salvaged two birdies around a dropped shot in the final three holes, keeping her score even. Hull, who missed the cut in Texas the previous year, returned to the Chevron with determination, hoping to improve on her previous runner‑up finish and finally capture a major championship.
Defending champion Mao Saigo entered the week with confidence after winning a dramatic playoff in 2025, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition. The Chevron Championship will continue to unfold over the next week, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday for the second round. Viewers can also stream the event without a contract, ensuring fans worldwide can follow the battle for the coveted title.
Beyond the tournament itself, golf enthusiasts can explore booking opportunities at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, with online tools allowing searches by course name, city, or postal code. While some searches may return no results, the platform offers a comprehensive view of available tee times and pricing, making it easier for players of all levels to find a suitable round.
As the field navigates the challenges of Houston’s demanding layout, the narrative will focus on whether Korda can extend her early lead, if Rhodes can build on her promising debut, or if Hull can rally to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite. The drama of the first women’s major of 2026 promises compelling storylines, high‑stakes golf, and the potential for new champions to emerge. Stay tuned for further updates, analysis, and highlights as the Chevron Championship progresses toward its climax.