The Chevron Championship, the first women’s major of the 2026 season, has become a cornerstone of the LPGA calendar. This guide explains why the tournament is so special, how players earn their spots, where the event will be staged, and which competitors are most likely to make a splash. All of this will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, so you can follow every swing, putt, and celebration. ## A Brief History of the Chevron Championship Although 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 achieve major status until 1983. The tournament began in 1972 when entertainer Dinah Shore, an avid golfer, helped launch the event at Mission Hills Country Club in California.

Over the decades the competition has evolved from a modest 54‑hole contest into a four‑day, 72‑hole showcase with one of the largest prize pools in women’s golf. The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the tournament and will feature 132 players battling for the Dinah Shore Trophy, a nod to the singer‑actress who helped create the championship. The event’s prestige has grown alongside its purse; this year the total prize money has been boosted by $100,000, reaching a staggering $8 million, making it one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA Tour.

## The New Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston After decades at Mission Hills and a brief stint at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, the Chevron Championship moves once more—this time to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. The par‑72 layout is a regular host of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a blend of challenging fairways, strategic bunkering, and a demanding 18th‑hole green that has become famous for a unique post‑victory tradition.

### The Jump‑Into‑the‑Water Tradition In 1988, three‑time champion Amy Alcott famously dove into the lake beside the 18th green at Mission Hills after clinching the title. That spontaneous celebration sparked a tradition that endures today: every champion takes a plunge into a body of water adjacent to the final green.

To honor this custom at Memorial Park, tournament officials are installing a temporary pool next to the 18th‑hole green, ensuring that the new champion will have a splash‑worthy moment of their own. ## How Players Qualify Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to qualify, the Chevron Championship fields only the elite of the sport.

The entry list is built from several categories: 1. **Past Champions** – All former winners of the Chevron Championship receive automatic invitations.

2. **Recent Major Winners** – Winners of other majors in the past five years are exempt. 3.

**LPGA Tournament Winners** – Any player who has captured an LPGA event in the preceding year earns a spot. 4.

**Top‑10 Finishers from the 2025 Chevron** – The ten best performers from last year’s tournament automatically qualify. 5.

**International Tour Representatives** – The top two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan, and the LPGA of Korea (who are not otherwise exempt) are invited. 6. **World Rankings** – The highest‑ranked players in the Official Women’s World Golf Ranking fill the remaining slots.

7. **Amateur Invitations** – Eight of the world’s leading amateur women are invited to experience major‑championship pressure. These criteria ensure that the field is composed of the sport’s most accomplished professionals, along with a select group of promising amateurs. ## Key Contenders to Watch ### Defending Champion Mao Saigo Japan’s Mao Saigo entered the 2025 Chevron Championship as a relative unknown but emerged victorious after a dramatic playoff.

She will be looking to repeat her success and become the first back‑to‑back champion since the tournament’s early days. ### British Hopefuls – Charley Hull and Lottie Woad Charley Hull, a former world No.

1 junior, is eager to secure her first major after missing the cut in 2025. Meanwhile, 22‑year‑old Lottie Woad has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks and will be keen to translate her recent form into a major win. ### Australian Star – Hannah Green Hannah Green has been in blistering form, winning four of her last five starts in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Women’s Australian Open. Her consistency and confidence make her a top favorite.

### South Korean Power – Hyo‑Joo Kim Kim has captured back‑to‑back titles at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, demonstrating a game that thrives under pressure. Her iron play and composure on the greens could prove decisive. ### American Contender – Nelly Korda Former Chevron champion Nelly Korda has started the season strongly, winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and finishing runner‑up in three other events.

Korda’s recent comments reveal a mindset focused on growth and resilience, qualities that often translate into major‑championship success. ### Veteran Legends – Annika Sörenstam and Lexi Thompson Three‑time champion Annika Sörenstam, though retired, remains an iconic figure associated with the tournament’s heritage. Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, returned to the spotlight after a rules controversy in 2021; she now seeks to add another major to her résumé. ## The Solheim Cup Connection Team Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain, Anna Nordqvist, will be watching the Chevron Championship closely.

A strong finish could bolster her case for a captain’s pick or automatic qualification for the September Solheim Cup. Many European players view the tournament as a chance to secure valuable world‑ranking points and demonstrate form ahead of the biennial Europe‑versus‑America showdown. ## Broadcasting Details Sky Sports holds the exclusive UK rights to all five women’s majors.

Coverage of the Chevron Championship will run from Thursday, 23 April, through Sunday, 26 April. The schedule is as follows: - **Thursday & Friday (Rounds 1‑2):** Live from 4 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf. - **Saturday & Sunday (Rounds 3‑4):** Live from 7 pm on Sky Sports Golf.

- **Sky Sports+** will provide additional feeds, highlights, and behind‑the‑scenes content throughout the four‑day event. Viewers can also stream the tournament without a contract via the NOW platform, ensuring flexible access for fans on any device.

## Why the Chevron Championship Matters Beyond the substantial purse, the Chevron Championship offers players a chance to earn valuable points toward the Race to the CME Globe, improve world‑ranking positions, and secure a foothold for future major selections. For emerging talents, a strong finish can translate into sponsor invitations and increased media exposure. For seasoned veterans, the tournament represents a chance to add another major to their legacy.

## Practical Information for Fans - **Venue:** Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas (Par‑72). - **Dates:** 23‑26 April 2026. - **Live Broadcast:** Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Golf, and Sky Sports+.

- **Streaming:** NOW (no‑contract option). - **Ticketing:** Fans can book rounds at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland through the Sky Sports partner portal. Whether you are a die‑hard follower of the LPGA, a casual fan intrigued by the jump‑into‑the‑water celebration, or a golfer looking to experience a major‑championship atmosphere, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises drama, elite competition, and memorable moments.

Tune in, cheer for your favorite players, and witness who will lift the Dinah Shore Trophy this year.