The Chevron Championship, the opening major of the 2026 women’s golf season, carries a unique blend of history, tradition, and high-stakes competition that sets it apart from the other four women’s majors. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the event – from its origins and venue changes to the qualification criteria, the field of contenders, and the broadcast schedule on Sky Sports. ### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Although the Chevron Championship is the third-oldest women’s major behind the U.S.

Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship, it only achieved major status in 1983. The tournament was founded in 1972 by the beloved American singer and actress Dinah Shore, who was an enthusiastic golfer and wanted to create a showcase for women’s professional golf. The trophy awarded to the winner still bears her name, honoring her legacy and her role in bringing the event to life. Since its inception as a 54‑hole competition, the Chevron has evolved into a full‑length 72‑hole tournament and now boasts one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour.

The growth of the event mirrors the broader expansion of women’s golf, with larger purses, more media coverage, and a deeper field of world‑class players. ### The 2026 Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston For the first time since 2022, the championship has moved out of Texas’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods. The 2026 edition will be played at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, a par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open. The course is known for its tight fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and a challenging finishing stretch that includes the iconic 18th green.

One of the most beloved traditions of the Chevron Championship is the champion’s plunge into water after sinking the final putt. This ritual began in 1988 when three‑time winner Amy Alcott leapt into the lake beside the 18th green at Mission Hills. To keep the tradition alive at Memorial Park, tournament officials have installed a temporary pool next to the 18th green, ensuring the winning player can still make a splash—literally—when they claim the title.

### How Players Earn Their Spot Entry into 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 qualify, the Chevron limits its field to the elite of the sport. The invitation list includes: * All past Chevron champions and former major winners.

* Winners of LPGA Tour events from the previous season. * The top ten finishers from the 2025 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 highest‑ranked amateur players, giving rising stars a chance to compete on the biggest stage. This stringent criteria ensures that the field is composed of the most accomplished and in‑form golfers, making the competition fierce from the first tee. ### Players to Watch The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, will be looking to repeat her 2025 triumph after winning in a dramatic playoff. Saigo’s composure under pressure makes her a serious contender.

British talent is also well represented. Charley Hull, who missed the cut in 2025, is eager to bounce back and capture her first major.

Lottie Woad, a 22‑year‑old who has risen rapidly through the ranks, will be aiming to translate her recent success on the LET into a breakthrough performance in Houston. Australian Hannah Green arrives in top form. She has captured four titles in her last five starts this year, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open.

Her consistency and recent winning streak place her among the favorites. South Korea’s Hyo‑Joo Kim has also been dominant, securing back‑to‑back victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship in March.

Her recent form suggests she could be a major factor on the leaderboard. Nelly Korda, a former Chevron champion, has started the 2026 season strongly, with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes. Korda’s candid reflections on handling pressure and personal growth highlight her mental resilience, a key attribute in major‑championship golf.

Legendary former champions such as Annika Sörenstam, a three‑time Chevron winner, and Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, also add depth to the field. Thompson’s experience with a rules controversy in 2021 serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can affect outcomes in major tournaments. ### Prize Money and Its Significance The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to $8 million (approximately £5.91 million).

This represents a substantial jump from the $3.1 million purse in 2021 and underscores the tournament’s growing financial clout. The larger purse not only rewards the top finishers but also raises the stakes for all competitors, as even lower‑placed players can earn a significant payday.

### Broadcast Details and How to Watch Sky Sports holds the exclusive broadcast rights for all five women’s majors. Coverage of the Chevron Championship will run across four days, from Thursday, 23 April, through Sunday, 26 April. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf starting at 4 pm, while the weekend’s final two rounds will commence 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 who prefer streaming, the tournament can be watched live without a contract via NOW, offering flexible access to every round. ### Why the Chevron Championship Matters for the Season Beyond the prestige of winning a major, the Chevron Championship serves as an early indicator of form heading into the rest of the LPGA season and the biennial Solheim Cup. Players who perform well here can boost their world rankings, improve their chances of earning a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup, and secure valuable earnings that can fund the remainder of their campaign.

Team Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain, Anna Nordqvist, will be watching closely. A strong showing at the Chevron could influence her final team selections for the September showdown between Europe and the United States. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a compelling mix of history, drama, and elite competition. With a star‑studded field, a generous purse, and a unique tradition that culminates in a celebratory splash, the tournament is set to capture the imagination of golf fans worldwide.

Tune in to Sky Sports or stream via NOW to experience every swing, putt, and moment of triumph as the season’s first women’s major unfolds at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston.