Mimi Rhodes of England signaled her arrival as a genuine contender at the Chevron Championship, even as Nelly Korda seized control of the season’s inaugural women’s major. The world No. 2, Korda, delivered a flawless, bogey‑free round of 65—seven under par—marking her strongest start to a major in four years and propelling her to a two‑stroke lead over Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee. In the opening round, American amateur Farah O'Keefe joined a four‑way tie for fourth place after posting a solid 68.
Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Rhodes, making her debut at the event, carded a 69, which placed her in a ten‑player tie for eighth. "I think I felt ready," Rhodes explained after her round. "Arriving on Sunday gave me the advantage of getting a better feel for the course and spending more time on site." She added that the extra preparation helped her settle in: "I was more comfortable finding my bearings.
I did everything I could to prepare, and that confidence carried over into my play. It really boiled down to committing to each shot and believing in my game, which I think I did well." Rhodes also reflected on the lessons she gleaned from her impressive 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 that relaxed mindset and applied it here.
When you’re confident and not worrying about the cut line, you tend to produce your best golf, especially in the first round." She emphasized the importance of staying relaxed throughout the major: "This is the first major of the year, with three more to go. My goal is to play relaxed golf, not over‑think it, and avoid putting too much pressure on myself." Charley Hull, Rhodes’ compatriot and world No. 4, began her quest for a first major title with a level‑par 72, leaving her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after the opening round.
Hull, who was runner‑up at the 2016 Chevron Championship, is still chasing that elusive major victory after missing the cut in Texas the previous year. Tavatanakit posted a bogey‑free round featuring five birdies in her first 18 holes, while Lee recorded six birdies before a stumble on the final hole of the day. China’s Yan Liu also made a strong showing, carding a four‑under 68 and briefly joining the early leaders before Rhodes settled into a group tied at three under. Rhodes started brightly, making two birdies within her first three holes before a bogey on the fourth hole slowed her momentum.
She rebounded with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and a single bogey on the 11th was the only blemish on her back nine, allowing her to finish at three under. Hull’s front nine was flawless, a 35‑stroke stretch that included a birdie on the third hole.
However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her position, though she managed to claw back with two birdies flanking a dropped shot in the final three holes, ending the round at even par. Defending champion Mao Saigo entered the tournament with confidence after securing the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff against four other competitors.
As the field settles, the question remains: who will ultimately claim the Chevron Championship? Fans can follow the action live throughout the week on Sky Sports, with the second round slated to begin on Friday at 4 pm on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. The tournament will also be available for streaming without a contract, offering viewers flexible access to every swing.
Beyond the competition, golf enthusiasts are reminded that they can secure the best rates and book tee times at any of the 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. Simply enter a course name, city, or postal code to find available slots. If no results appear, try adjusting the search criteria for alternative options.
The Chevron Championship continues to showcase emerging talent and seasoned veterans alike, promising an exciting series of rounds as the season’s first major unfolds. With Korda’s commanding lead, Rhodes’ rising confidence, and Hull’s determination to break her major drought, the tournament is set to deliver compelling storylines and high‑quality golf for fans worldwide.