The Chevron Championship marks the opening of the women’s major season in 2026, and fans are eager to learn what makes this tournament so distinctive, how players earn their spots, where the event will be staged, and which competitors are poised to shine. Below is an in‑depth look at the history, venue, traditions, qualification criteria, and the field of contenders, along with details on how to watch the action live on Sky Sports. ### A Brief History and Its Place Among the Majors Among the five recognized women’s majors, The Chevron Championship holds the position of the third‑oldest, trailing only the U.S.
Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship. Although the tournament began in 1972, it was not elevated to major status until 1983.
The 2026 edition will be the 56th running of the event, featuring 132 of the world’s top female golfers competing for the Dinah Shore Trophy. The trophy honors the late American singer‑actress Dinah Shore, an avid golfer who helped launch the tournament.
Initially a 54‑hole competition, the championship has grown over the decades into a marquee event with one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour. Its evolution reflects the increasing popularity and professionalism of women’s golf.
### The New Host Course: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston The Chevron Championship has moved locations several times. It originated at Mission Hills Country Club in California, then shifted to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas in 2023. For 2026, the tournament will be played at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, a classic par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open. The course is known for its tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and a challenging finishing stretch that tests even the most seasoned players.
In a nod to tradition, organizers are installing a temporary pool beside the 18th‑hole green so the champion can continue the famous lake‑jump ritual that began when three‑time champion Amy Alcott leapt into the water after her 1988 victory at Mission Hills. This year’s winner will have a custom‑built pool to celebrate their triumph. ### How Players Qualify Unlike the AIG Women’s Open, which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to enter, The Chevron Championship reserves its field for the elite. Automatic exemptions are granted to: * Past champions of The Chevron Championship * Winners of other major championships * Recent LPGA Tour event winners * 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 already exempt * Eight of the world’s highest‑rated amateur players This selective approach ensures a highly competitive field, featuring the sport’s biggest names and rising stars.
### Defending Champion and Leading Contenders The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, will look to repeat her 2025 success, where she secured the title after a dramatic playoff. Several other players are also drawing attention: * **Charley Hull (England)** – After missing the cut in 2025, Hull is determined to claim her first major and improve her leaderboard position. * **Lottie Woad (England)** – The 22‑year‑old’s rapid ascent has been remarkable, and she will be eyeing a breakthrough performance in Houston.
* **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 Australian Open. * **Hyo‑Joo Kim (South Korea)** – Riding the momentum of back‑to‑back victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, Kim is another strong contender.
* **Nelly Korda (USA)** – A former Chevron champion, Korda has started the season with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes, underscoring her consistency. * **Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)** – The 2026 Solheim Cup captain will be watching closely, hoping to add a fourth major to her résumé while evaluating European players for September’s Solheim Cup. ### Legends and Past Champions The tournament’s history is rich with legendary figures. Three‑time champion Annika Sörenstam remains the most successful player, sharing the three‑victory record with Amy Alcott and Betsy King.
Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, is remembered for a memorable rules controversy in 2017 that resulted in a two‑stroke penalty but still saw her finish tied for second. ### Prize Money and Economic Impact The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to $8 million (approximately £5.91 million). This marks a substantial jump from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021, cementing the event as one of the most lucrative stops on the LPGA Tour. The larger purse not only rewards the top finishers but also raises the tournament’s profile globally.
### Broadcasting and How to Watch Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to all five women’s majors. The Chevron Championship will be broadcast live across four days, from 23 April to 26 April. Coverage begins at 4 pm on Thursday and Friday for the first two rounds on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf. The weekend rounds start at 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday, also on Sky Sports Golf.
Subscribers can also access additional feeds, highlights, and on‑demand replays via Sky Sports+. For viewers who prefer streaming, the event is available on NOW without a contract, ensuring flexible access for fans worldwide.
### Why the Chevron Championship Matters Beyond the prize money and prestige, the tournament serves as a barometer for the upcoming season. Players aiming for Solheim Cup selection—whether for Team Europe or Team USA—will use their performance here to boost their rankings and catch the eye of captains. A strong finish can secure a captain’s pick or automatic qualification for the biennial Europe‑vs‑America showdown later in the year. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chevron Championship promises a blend of tradition, high‑stakes competition, and fresh narratives.
From the historic lake‑jump celebration now upgraded to a custom pool, to the star‑studded field featuring defending champions, rising talents, and seasoned veterans, the tournament offers something for every golf enthusiast. Tune in to Sky Sports or stream via NOW to witness the drama unfold, and see who will etch their name onto the Dinah Shore Trophy this April.