The Chevron Championship stands out as the first women’s major of the 2026 season, and fans are eager to know what makes this tournament so distinctive, how players earn their spots, where it will be played, and which competitors are most likely to shine. Below is an in‑depth look at everything you need to know before the action kicks off on Sky Sports.
### A Brief History of the Event Among the five recognized women’s majors, The Chevron Championship is the third‑oldest, trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship. Although the competition began in 1972 thanks to the enthusiasm of singer‑actress Dinah Shore—an avid golfer who helped launch the event—it did not achieve major‑status until 1983. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the tournament, featuring a field of 132 elite players all vying for the Dinah Shore Trophy, a nod to the event’s original founder.
Originally a 54‑hole competition, the championship has grown over the decades into a marquee stop on the LPGA calendar, boasting one of the sport’s most generous prize funds. The tournament’s evolution reflects the broader rise of women’s golf, with increasing media coverage, sponsorship, and global interest. ### Venue Change: From California to Texas to Houston The Chevron Championship debuted at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, where the iconic lake‑jump tradition was born.
In 2023 the event moved to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas. For 2026 the tournament will be staged at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, a classic par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open. To honor the beloved lake‑jump tradition, organizers are installing a temporary pool beside the 18th‑green pond so the champion can celebrate in the same spirit as Amy Alcott did in 1988.
### How Players Qualify Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which opens its doors to any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower, The Chevron Championship reserves its spots for the sport’s top performers. Automatic invitations are granted to: - Past champions and former major winners - Winners of recent LPGA tournaments - The top ten 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 already exempt - Eight of the world’s highest‑ranked amateur players These criteria ensure a field composed of world‑class talent while still providing a pathway for emerging amateurs to experience major‑championship pressure. ### Players to Watch **Mao Saigo (Japan)** – The defending champion will be looking to repeat after clinching the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff.
Her composure under pressure makes her a strong contender. **Charley Hull (England)** – After missing the cut last year, Hull is determined to secure her first major victory and climb the leaderboard. **Lottie Woad (England)** – The 22‑year‑old’s meteoric rise has turned heads; a solid performance in Houston could see her claim her inaugural major. **Hannah Green (Australia)** – Green enters the tournament on a hot streak, having won four of her last five starts in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open.
She is widely regarded as a favorite. **Hyo Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Fresh off back‑to‑back wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, Kim brings momentum and confidence.
**Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has already captured a win this season at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and has three runner‑up finishes. Her recent comments about handling pressure and personal growth highlight her mental resilience. **Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)** – Though retired, Sörenstam’s legacy looms large; she remains the only three‑time champion alongside Amy Alcott and Betsy King. **Lexi Thompson (USA)** – Thompson’s 2014 victory is her sole major title.
A memorable 2017 rules controversy at this event saw her receive a two‑stroke penalty, but she still finished tied for second, demonstrating her competitive grit. **Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)** – The European Solheim Cup captain will be eyeing her fourth major while also scouting European talent for the upcoming Solheim Cup.
### Prize Money and Stakes The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, reaching a total of $8 million (approximately £5.91 million). This marks a dramatic rise from the $3.1 million purse in 2021, making the Chevron Championship one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA Tour. The larger purse not only rewards the winner handsomely but also adds extra incentive for players chasing Solheim Cup captain’s picks, as strong finishes can boost their selection prospects. ### Broadcast Details Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of all four days, from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26.
Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) begin at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, while the weekend’s final rounds start at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Subscribers can also access additional feeds, highlights, and on‑demand content via Sky Sports+.
### Why the Chevron Championship Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, the tournament serves as a barometer for the upcoming season. Players who perform well often carry that momentum into the rest of the LPGA calendar and the Solheim Cup later in the year. For European and American hopefuls alike, a high finish can solidify a captain’s pick or even secure an automatic berth on their respective teams.
### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of tradition, high‑stakes competition, and fresh storylines. From the temporary pool at Memorial Park to the field packed with seasoned champions and rising stars, fans have plenty to anticipate. Tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage, and watch as the world’s best women golfers chase history on the Houston greens.