The Chevron Championship stands out as the opening major of the 2026 women’s golf calendar, and there are several reasons why it captures the imagination of fans and players alike. First, its history is rich and unique. Although it ranks as the third‑oldest women’s major behind the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship, the tournament only earned major status in 1983, making it a relatively recent addition to the elite roster of events.
The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the competition, and 132 of the world’s top female golfers will vie for the coveted Dinah Shore Trophy – a tribute to the beloved singer‑actress who was an enthusiastic golfer and co‑founder of the tournament back in 1972. Historically, the event began as a 54‑hole competition at Mission Hills Country Club in California. Over the decades it has expanded both in stature and prize money, becoming one of the most anticipated stops on the LPGA schedule. In 2023 the championship moved to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, and for 2026 it will be staged at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, a par‑72 layout that regularly hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open.
The change of venue adds a fresh challenge for the field, as the Houston course demands a blend of power, precision and strategic shot‑making. One of the most beloved traditions of the Chevron Championship was introduced by three‑time winner Amy Alcott in 1988. After sinking the winning putt at Mission Hills, Alcott leapt into the shallow lake beside the 18th green to celebrate.
That spontaneous splash quickly turned into a ritual, and every champion since has taken a celebratory plunge into a water feature near the final green. This year, organizers are taking the custom to the next level: grounds staff have installed a temporary pool beside the 18th‑hole green at Memorial Park so that the victor can make a splash in a purpose‑built basin. Qualifying for the Chevron Championship is far more exclusive than some other majors. While the AIG Women’s Open allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to enter, the Chevron limits its field to the very best.
Past champions, recent major winners, and players who have captured LPGA Tour events automatically receive invitations. The top ten finishers from the previous year’s Chevron also earn spots, as do 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. In addition, eight of the world’s top amateurs are invited, giving rising stars a chance to test themselves against seasoned professionals.
Defending champion Mao Saigo arrives in Houston with the goal of back‑to‑back victories after winning the 2025 edition in a dramatic playoff. Among the British contingent, Charley Hull is eager to improve on a missed cut last year and claim her first major, while 22‑year‑old Lottie Woad has surged up the rankings and will be looking to add a major title to her résumé.
Australian Hannah Green enters the tournament as one of the favorites; she has won four of her last five starts in 2026, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship and the JM Eagle LA Championship. South Korea’s Hyo‑Joo Kim, fresh from consecutive wins at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, is also in fine form. Nelly Korda, a former Chevron champion, has opened the season with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes, underscoring her consistency and hunger for another major.
Veteran legends add depth to the field. Annika Sörenstam, a three‑time Chevron champion and former European Solheim Cup captain, remains one of the tournament’s most celebrated alumni. Lexi Thompson, who captured the title in 2014, will be watching closely; she famously incurred a two‑stroke penalty for a rules infraction on the 12th green in 2017, a moment that still sparks discussion about the importance of precision and composure under pressure.
The financial stakes have risen dramatically. The total purse for 2026 has been increased by $100,000, reaching $8 million – a substantial jump from the $3.1 million offered in 2021.
This makes the Chevron Championship one of the most lucrative events on the LPGA Tour, with the winner taking home a six‑figure sum and the remaining top finishers sharing the remainder. Beyond the prize money, the tournament serves as a key indicator for players eyeing selection to the upcoming Solheim Cup. Europe’s 2026 captain, Anna Nordqvist, will be monitoring performances closely, as strong finishes can secure a captain’s pick or even an automatic qualification for the biennial Europe‑versus‑USA showdown slated for September. Players from both sides of the Atlantic are therefore motivated not only by the title but also by the chance to boost their standing in the international team race.
Fans can follow every moment of the action on Sky Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights to all five women’s majors. Live coverage runs from Thursday through Sunday, with early‑round action beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, and the weekend rounds kicking off at 7 p.m.
on Saturday and Sunday. Sky Sports+ offers additional feeds, highlights and on‑demand replays for those who want to relive the drama. In summary, the 2026 Chevron Championship promises a compelling mix of tradition, high‑stakes competition, and fresh storylines.
From the historic leap‑into‑the‑water celebration to the expanded prize fund and the presence of both seasoned champions and rising talents, the tournament is set to deliver memorable moments. Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated golf enthusiast, tuning in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports will give you front‑row access to the first women’s major of the year and the chance to witness who will etch their name onto the Dinah Shore Trophy this season.