The Chevron Championship stands out as the inaugural women’s major of the 2026 golf season, and there are several reasons why it commands such attention. From its historic roots to its modern-day prestige, the tournament offers a blend of tradition, high stakes, and a field packed with the world’s top talent. Below is an in-depth look at what makes the event special, how players earn their spots, where the competition will be staged, and which athletes are poised to make a splash.
### A Brief History and Its Rise to Major Status Although the Chevron Championship is the third-oldest women’s major—trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship—it did not achieve major designation until 1983.
The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the tournament, a testament to its longevity and evolution. Originally founded in 1972 by Dinah Shore, the celebrated singer and actress who loved golf, the event was created to showcase women’s professional golf in a festive, fan-friendly environment.
Over the decades, the tournament has expanded from a modest 54‑hole format to a full four‑day, 72‑hole competition with one of the largest prize purses on the LPGA Tour. ### The Venue Shift: From California to Texas to Houston The championship began at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, where the iconic lake‑jump tradition was born.
In 2023 the event moved to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, adding a new geographical flavor. For 2026, the tournament takes another step northward, relocating to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas.
This par‑72 layout is a regular host of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open and is known for its demanding fairways, strategic bunkering, and a signature 18th‑hole green that borders a water feature. In a nod to tradition, tournament officials are even constructing a temporary pool beside the 18th green so that the champion can continue the celebrated lake‑jump ritual. ### How Players Qualify: An Elite Invitation System Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which opens its doors to any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or better, the Chevron Championship reserves its field for the very best. Invitations are extended to: 1.
Past champions of the Chevron Championship. 2. Winners of other majors and recent LPGA Tour events.
3. The top‑10 finishers from the previous year’s Chevron Championship. 4. 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.
5. Eight of the world’s highest‑rated amateur golfers, selected through a combination of world amateur rankings and performance in qualifying events. This selective process ensures a field that is both globally representative and exceptionally competitive.
### Defending Champion and Leading Contenders Mao Saigo, the 2025 champion who secured her title in a dramatic playoff, returns to Houston hoping to repeat her triumph. Her composure under pressure makes her a formidable contender. Among the British hopefuls, Charley Hull is eager to improve on a missed cut last year and capture her first major.
Young talent Lottie Woad, only 22, has surged up the rankings and will be looking to add a major victory to her résumé. Australian star Hannah Green enters the tournament in red‑hot form. She has claimed four victories in her last five starts of 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship, and the JM Eagle LA Championship. Her consistency and recent success make her a favorite to lift the Dinah Shore Trophy.
South Korea’s Hyo‑Joo Kim has also been on a roll, winning back‑to‑back events at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship in March. Nelly Korda, a former Chevron champion, has started the season strongly with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes, underscoring her ability to contend week in and week out. ### Legends and Storylines Former European Solheim Cup captain Annika Sörenstam remains one of the tournament’s most celebrated alumni, having won the Chevron three times—a record she shares with Amy Alcott and Betsy King. Their triple victories set a benchmark for future generations.
Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, provides a compelling narrative of redemption. After a rules controversy in 2017 that cost her a two‑stroke penalty and a chance at the title, she is determined to prove she still belongs among the elite. Team Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain, Anna Nordqvist, will also be watching closely.
While she aims for her fourth major, she will be evaluating how European players perform, as those results could influence her final selections for the September Solheim Cup. ### Prize Money and Financial Significance The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 million. This represents a dramatic rise from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021 and positions the Chevron Championship as one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA schedule.
The winner’s share alone will be a life‑changing sum, reflecting the tournament’s growing commercial appeal and its importance to players seeking both prestige and financial reward. ### Broadcast Details and How to Watch Sky Sports holds the exclusive UK broadcasting rights for all five women’s majors, including the Chevron Championship. Coverage runs across four days, from Thursday, April 23, to Sunday, April 26.
Early rounds will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf starting at 4 p.m., with weekend action kicking off at 7 p.m. for the final two rounds.
Subscribers can also access additional feeds, highlights, and on‑demand replays via Sky Sports+. For viewers without a contract, streaming options are available through NOW, offering flexible access to live coverage. ### Why the Chevron Championship Matters Beyond the trophy and the prize money, the Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the season ahead. A strong performance here can catapult a player into the top tier of the world rankings, secure a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup, and provide momentum that carries through the rest of the year.
For many, it is the first opportunity to test their game against a field of peers in a major‑championship setting, making every shot and every decision crucial. ### Final Thoughts Whether you are a die‑hard golf aficionado or a casual fan, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises drama, tradition, and world‑class competition.
From the historic lake‑jump celebration to the high‑stakes purse and the star‑studded roster, there is plenty to watch and discuss. Tune in to Sky Sports or stream the event online to witness who will etch their name into the tournament’s storied legacy and claim the coveted Dinah Shore Trophy.