The Chevron Championship, the opening major of the 2026 women’s golf season, has 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 what makes the tournament special, how players earn a spot in the field, where the event is being staged this year, and which golfers are most likely to make a splash.
### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors While 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 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the event, a testament to its longevity and evolution.
The trophy awarded to the winner is the Dinah Shore Trophy, named after the beloved singer‑actress who was an avid golfer and a co‑founder of the tournament back in 1972. Originally a 54‑hole competition, the championship has grown into a full‑four‑day, 72‑hole showdown that now boasts one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour. ### The New Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After debuting at Mission Hills Country Club in California and spending several years at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, the 2026 Chevron Championship moves to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston.
This par‑72 municipal course is a regular stop for the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, meaning it offers a challenging layout that tests every aspect of a player’s game. In a nod to tradition, tournament officials have gone a step further this year by installing a temporary pool beside the 18th‑green pond so that the champion can continue the iconic splash‑into‑water celebration that began when three‑time winner Amy Alcott leapt into Mission Hills’ lake in 1988. ### How Players Qualify Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to compete, the Chevron Championship fields only the elite.
Invitations are extended to: * Past champions and former major winners * Winners of 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 best amateurs, selected through designated qualifying events This selective approach ensures that the competition is stacked with world‑class talent, making the tournament a true showcase of the sport’s finest. ### Players to Watch **Mao Saigo (Defending Champion)** – Saigo captured her first Chevron title in 2025 after a dramatic playoff.
She will be looking to repeat her success on a new course and prove that her victory was no fluke. **Charley Hull (Great Britain)** – After missing the cut in 2025, Hull is eager for redemption. A first‑major win would cement her status among the leading British players.
**Lottie Woad (Great Britain)** – The 22‑year‑old’s meteoric rise has turned heads. Woad’s powerful swing and composure under pressure make her a serious contender for a breakthrough victory. **Hannah Green (Australia)** – Green has been on fire in 2026, winning four of her last five starts, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open.
Her recent form makes her a favorite to claim the Chevron crown. **Hyo‑Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Kim entered the season with back‑to‑back wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship. Her steady ball‑striking and clutch putting could translate into a major triumph. **Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has started 2026 strongly, winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and finishing runner‑up in three other events.
Her confidence and experience in big‑stage moments are invaluable assets. **Annika Sörenstam (Sweden, former champion)** – Though retired, Sörenstam’s legacy looms large. She remains a celebrated figure for fans and a benchmark for current competitors. **Lexi Thompson (USA, 2014 champion)** – Thompson’s career has been marked by highs and lows, including a recent rules controversy that cost her a two‑stroke penalty.
Her resilience and talent keep her in the conversation for a second major. **Anna Nordqvist (Sweden, Solheim Cup captain)** – Nordqvist will be eyeing her fourth major while simultaneously scouting European talent for the upcoming Solheim Cup.
A strong finish could boost her captain’s selections. ### Prize Money and Broadcast Details The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 million, with the winner’s share alone exceeding $1.2 million.
This represents a dramatic rise from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021, underscoring the event’s growing financial clout. Sky Sports holds the broadcasting rights for all five women’s majors.
Live coverage of the Chevron Championship will run from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26. Early rounds begin at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, while the final two rounds will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf.
Additional feeds, highlights, and analysis will be available on Sky Sports+ for subscribers who want a deeper dive. ### Why the Chevron Championship Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, the Chevron Championship serves as a barometer for the season ahead. Players who perform well here often carry momentum into the rest of the LPGA schedule, and a strong finish can influence captain’s picks for the Solheim Cup later in the year.
For fans, the tournament offers a blend of tradition—most famously the champion’s plunge into water—and modern excitement, with a world‑class field and a course that demands strategic precision. ### How to Follow the Action If you prefer streaming, the event can be watched without a contract through Sky Sports’ online platform. For those who enjoy a more traditional viewing experience, tune in to Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Golf at the scheduled times.
Throughout the week, Sky Sports will also provide expert commentary, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes features that enrich the viewing experience. In summary, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises drama, history, and elite competition. Whether you’re rooting for a defending champion, a rising star, or a seasoned veteran, the tournament offers plenty of storylines to follow. Catch every swing, putt, and splash‑into‑the‑pond live on Sky Sports and witness who will etch their name into the tournament’s storied legacy.