The Chevron Championship stands out as the opening major of the 2026 women’s golf season, and understanding its history, format, and key contenders can make the tournament even more exciting for fans. This guide walks you through what makes the event unique, where it will be played, how players earn a spot, and which golfers are most likely to leave a mark on the leaderboard.
### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Although the Chevron Championship is the third-oldest of the five women’s majors—trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship—it did not receive major status until 1983. The tournament began in 1972 thanks to the enthusiasm of Dinah Shore, a celebrated singer and actress who loved golf and helped launch the event at Mission Hills Country Club in California.
In 2026 the competition will be in its 56th edition, with 132 of the world’s top female golfers vying for the Dinah Shore Trophy, a tribute to the founder. Originally a 54‑hole competition, the championship has expanded over the decades into a full four‑day, 72‑hole showdown.
Its prize fund has grown dramatically, making it one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA Tour and a coveted title for any player. ### The Venue: From California to Texas to Houston The tournament’s home has shifted a few times.
After its inaugural years at Mission Hills, the event moved in 2023 to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas. For 2026 the championship will be staged at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas.
Memorial Park is a par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a challenging mix of long fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens. One of the most beloved traditions of the Chevron Championship is the champion’s plunge into water after the final putt.
The custom started in 1988 when three‑time winner Amy Alcott jumped into the pond beside the 18th green at Mission Hills. This year, organizers are taking the tradition to the next level by installing a temporary pool next to the 18th‑hole green at Memorial Park, ensuring the winner can celebrate in style. ### How Players Qualify Entry to the Chevron Championship is highly selective.
Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to compete, the Chevron field is composed almost entirely of exempt players. The following categories secure invitations: * Past Chevron champions and former major winners * Winners of recent 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 otherwise exempt * Eight of the world’s top amateur golfers, selected based on ranking and recent performance These criteria guarantee a field filled with seasoned professionals and rising stars, making the competition fierce from the first tee. ### Players to Watch #### Defending Champion: Mao Saigo Mao Saigo enters Houston as the defending champion after clinching the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff. Saigo will be looking to repeat her success and become one of the few players to win back‑to‑back Chevron Championships.
#### British Hopefuls: Charley Hull and Lottie Woad Charley Hull, a multiple‑time Solheim Cup player, is eager to capture her first major after missing the cut in 2025. Meanwhile, 22‑year‑old Lottie Woad has surged up the rankings this season and will be targeting a breakthrough victory. #### In‑Form Australians: Hannah Green Australian Hannah Green has been unstoppable in 2026, winning four of her last five starts—including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship, and the JM Eagle LA Championship. Her recent form makes her a favorite to lift the trophy.
#### South Korean Contender: Hyo‑Joo Kim Hyo‑Joo Kim has built momentum with consecutive wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship in March. Her confidence and recent victories position her as a serious contender.
#### American Star: Nelly Korda Former champion Nelly Korda has started the season strongly, winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and finishing runner‑up in three other events. Korda’s consistency and experience at major venues could prove decisive.
#### Veteran Legend: Annika Sörenstam Three‑time Chevron champion Annika Sörenstam, now a revered figure in women’s golf, remains a symbolic presence. While she no longer competes, her legacy adds historical weight to the tournament. #### Past Winners: Lexi Thompson and Others Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, will be back in the mix. Though she faced a rules penalty in 2021 that cost her a win, Thompson’s talent and determination keep her in contention.
### The Prize Fund The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 million (approximately £5.91 million). This represents a dramatic jump from the $3.1 million purse in 2021 and underscores the event’s status as one of the most financially rewarding stops on the LPGA calendar.
### Broadcast and Viewing Options Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to all five women’s majors in the UK. Coverage of the Chevron Championship will run across four days, from Thursday, 23 April, to Sunday, 26 April. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf from 4 pm, while the weekend’s final two rounds will start at 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf.
Additional feeds, highlights, and behind‑the‑scenes content will be available on Sky Sports+. For viewers outside the UK, the tournament can be streamed without a contract via NOW, and fans can also follow live updates through the Sky Sports Golf Podcast.
### Why This Major Matters Beyond the prestige and prize money, the Chevron Championship serves as a crucial early‑season test for players aiming to secure spots on the European or U.S. Solheim Cup teams.
Strong performances here can influence captain’s picks and automatic qualification for the biennial Europe‑versus‑America showdown later in the year. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of tradition, high stakes, and elite competition. With a field stacked with defending champions, rising talents, and seasoned veterans, the tournament is set to deliver memorable moments—from dramatic putts to the iconic splash into the temporary pool at Memorial Park. Tune in to Sky Sports or stream the action to witness who will etch their name into the history books as the first major champion of the 2026 women’s golf season.