England's rising star Mimi Rhodes positioned herself among the leaders at the Chevron Championship, even as world No. 2 Nelly Korda seized the initiative in the opening women's major of the 2026 season. Korda delivered a flawless round, carding a bogey‑free 65, seven under par, marking her best start to a major in four years. Her performance placed her two strokes ahead of Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea's Somi Lee, establishing a clear early gap at the top of the leaderboard.
American amateur Farah O'Keefe also made a notable impression, sharing a four‑way tie for fourth place after posting a solid 68 in the first round. Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, playing her debut in the tournament, recorded a 69, which was enough to land her in a ten‑player tie for eighth. "I think I felt ready," Rhodes said when asked about her preparation. "Arriving on Sunday gave me a chance to walk the course a bit more and settle in.
I was able to get a feel for the layout, which helped me find my bearings." Rhodes added that she had taken valuable lessons from her recent showing at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th place. "That event was different mentally because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely," she explained.
"I learned to strip away the pressure and focus on committing to each shot. When you’re confident and not worrying about the cut line, the first round often comes out well." She continued, "I’m trying to bring that same mindset here. This is the first major of the year, and there are three more to go. My goal is to play relaxed golf, stay confident, and not let the pressure build up." Charley Hull, Rhodes' compatriot and world No.
4, began her quest for a first major title with a level‑par 72, placing her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after round one. Hull, who was runner‑up at the 2016 edition of the event, has returned to the Chevron after missing the cut in Texas the previous year and is eager to improve on that result. Patty Tavatanakit posted an impressive bogey‑free round, recording five birdies in her first 18 holes, while Somi Lee notched six birdies before dropping a shot on the final hole of the day. China’s Yan Liu also made an early impact, carding a four‑under 68 to sit just behind the leading duo before Rhodes settled into a group tied at three under.
Rhodes' opening round was marked by an aggressive start: she birdied two of her first three holes, then suffered a bogey on the fourth. She rebounded with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and the only blemish on her back nine was a single bogey at the 11th, leaving her round at 69. Hull, on the other hand, posted a clean front nine of 35, highlighted by a birdie on the third hole. However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her momentum, though she managed to claw back two birdies around a dropped shot in the final three holes, finishing with a respectable even‑par 72.
The tournament also featured defending champion Mao Saigo, who entered the week after securing a dramatic playoff victory in 2025. Saigo will be looking to repeat her success and retain the title. Looking ahead, the second round of the Chevron Championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event from 4 pm on Friday, with streaming options available for those without a contract. Golf enthusiasts can also explore the extensive Sky Sports Golf Podcast for deeper analysis and behind‑the‑scenes commentary.
Beyond the competition, fans can take advantage of special offers to book tee times at more than 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. By entering a course name, city, or postcode on the booking platform, players can find the best prices and secure a round at a nearby venue. Although the search function occasionally returns no results, the extensive network ensures ample options for golfers of all skill levels.
In summary, the opening day of the 2026 Chevron Championship delivered a mix of dominant performances, promising debuts, and seasoned contenders striving for redemption. With Korda firmly in the lead, Rhodes showing she can compete with the best, and Hull seeking to close the gap, the tournament promises an exciting narrative as it progresses through the remaining rounds.
The upcoming days will reveal whether Korda can maintain her flawless start, if Rhodes can climb higher on the leaderboard, and whether Hull can mount a comeback to chase her first major victory. Stay tuned for live coverage, expert analysis, and the unfolding drama of women's golf's premier event.