The Chevron Championship stands out as the opening women’s major of the 2026 golf season, and it brings a blend of history, tradition, and high‑stakes competition that makes it a must‑watch event for fans and players alike. Below is an in‑depth look at what makes this tournament unique, how the field is assembled, where the action will take place, and which golfers are poised to make a splash. ### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors 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 tournament was first played in 1972, it did not receive major‑status until 1983, marking the moment it joined the elite group of championship events. The 2026 edition will be the 56th running of the competition, featuring a field of 132 players who will battle for the Dinah Shore Trophy—a nod to the beloved singer‑actress who helped launch the tournament and was an enthusiastic golfer herself. Originally a 54‑hole event held at Mission Hills Country Club in California, the championship has evolved into a four‑day, 72‑hole showcase with one of the sport’s largest prize pools.
Its growth mirrors the expanding popularity of women’s golf and the increasing financial backing from sponsors. ### The New Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston For 2026 the tournament moves to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. This par‑72 layout is a familiar stop on the PGA Tour, regularly hosting the Houston Open, and it offers a mix of challenging water hazards, strategic bunkering, and generous fairways. The course sits just an hour’s drive from the previous host, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods, ensuring that players won’t have to adjust to a drastically different climate or time zone.
One of the most beloved traditions of the Chevron Championship is the winner’s plunge into water after the final putt. The tradition began in 1988 when three‑time champion Amy Alcott celebrated her victory by jumping into the pond beside the 18th green at Mission Hills.
This year, organizers are taking the ritual to the next level by installing a temporary pool next to the 18th‑hole green at Memorial Park, guaranteeing a splash‑filled finish for the champion. ### How Players Earn Their Spot Entry to The Chevron Championship is far more exclusive than many other tournaments. While the AIG Women’s Open allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to qualify, the Chevron limits its field to the cream of the crop: * **Past Champions** – All former Chevron winners receive an automatic invitation.
* **Major Winners** – Winners of other LPGA majors from the previous season are exempt. * **Top‑10 Finishers** – The ten best performers from the 2025 Chevron Championship automatically qualify. * **Tour Leaders** – The top two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan Tour, and the LPGA of Korea Tour, who are not already exempt, earn spots. * **World‑Ranked Players** – The highest‑ranked LPGA players who meet the season’s cut‑off criteria are included.
* **Amateur Representatives** – Eight of the world’s leading amateurs are invited, giving rising talent a chance to experience major‑championship pressure. This selective process ensures that every participant has demonstrated a high level of skill and consistency, making the competition exceptionally fierce. ### Players to Watch The defending champion, **Mao Saigo**, will be looking to repeat her 2025 triumph after winning in a dramatic playoff. Saigo’s calm under pressure makes her a serious contender.
From the United Kingdom, **Charley Hull** is eager for her first major win after missing the cut in the previous edition. Hull’s recent form suggests she could climb the leaderboard quickly. Young British talent **Lottie Woad**, only 22, has surged up the rankings this season.
Her rapid improvement and fearless approach could see her in contention for a breakthrough victory. Australian **Hannah Green** arrives in Houston on a hot streak, having captured four titles in her last five starts, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open.
Green’s confidence and recent success make her a favorite. South Korean star **Hyo‑Joo Kim** is also in fine form, with back‑to‑back wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship in March.
Her consistency on both the tee and green will be a key factor. Former Chevron champion **Nelly Korda** is enjoying a strong start to 2026, with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes. Korda’s recent comments about learning from both victories and near‑misses highlight her mental resilience. Legendary Swede **Annika Sörenstam**, a three‑time Chevron winner, remains a celebrated figure in the tournament’s history, alongside fellow three‑time champions Amy Alcott and Betsy King.
**Lexi Thompson**, who captured the title in 2014, will be looking to add another major to her resume. Although she faced a rules penalty in 2021 that cost her a chance at victory, Thompson’s experience and competitive fire keep her in the mix.
European Solheim Cup captain **Anna Nordqvist** will also be present, hoping to add a fourth major to her résumé while scouting potential teammates for the upcoming Solheim Cup. ### Prize Money and Stakes The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to $8 million (approximately £5.91 million). This substantial jump from the $3.1 million purse in 2021 underscores the tournament’s growing prestige and the LPGA’s commitment to rewarding top talent. ### Broadcast Information Sky Sports holds the broadcasting rights for all five women’s majors.
The Chevron Championship will be shown live across four days, from Thursday, 23 April, to Sunday, 26 April. Early coverage of the first two rounds begins at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, while the weekend rounds start at 7 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf.
Additional feeds, highlights, and analysis are available on Sky Sports+ for subscribers who want deeper coverage. ### Why This Major Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, the Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the rest of the season. Players who perform well here often carry momentum into the summer swing and the Solheim Cup later in the year.
For many, a strong finish can secure a captain’s pick for either the European or U.S. Solheim Cup teams, making every shot potentially career‑defining. ### How to Follow the Action Fans can watch the tournament live on Sky Sports channels or stream via the Sky Sports app without a long‑term contract. For those in the UK and Ireland, the Sky Sports website also offers a “best price” booking tool for tee times at over 1,700 courses, should you feel inspired to hit the links yourself after watching the pros.
In summary, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of historic tradition, a challenging new venue, a world‑class field, and a record‑breaking purse. Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated golf enthusiast, the tournament delivers drama, skill, and the excitement of a major title on the line.
Tune in, enjoy the competition, and watch history unfold at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston.