England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes positioned herself as a genuine contender at the Chevron Championship, even as world No. 2 Nelly Korda seized the early advantage in the first women’s major of the 2026 season. Korda’s flawless round of 65 – seven under par and her best major start in four years – placed her two strokes ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee, establishing a clear lead after day one in Houston. The tournament also featured a notable performance from American amateur Farah O'Keefe, who joined a four‑way tie for fourth place after posting an opening 68.
Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes recorded a solid 69 on her debut, landing her in a ten‑player tie for eighth. Reflecting on her start, Rhodes said, “I think I felt ready. Getting here on Sunday helped me see the course a bit more and be on site longer, which was definitely a benefit.” She added that the extra time allowed her to become more comfortable with the layout: “I feel a bit more at ease getting my bearings.
I did as much preparation as I could and felt confident walking onto the first tee. It was really about committing to each shot and staying confident, which I think I managed.” Rhodes also referenced her recent showing at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th. “That event was mentally different because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely,” she explained. “I’ve tried to carry that relaxed mindset into this major.
If I’m confident and commit to my shots without worrying about the cut line, I tend to play my best golf.” She continued, “The first major of the year is just the beginning – there are three more to go. My plan is to stay relaxed, play my natural game, and not put too much pressure on myself.” On the other side of the leaderboard, fellow Englishwoman and world No. 4 Charley Hull opened with a level‑par 72, leaving her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after round one. Hull, who was runner‑up at the 2016 Chevron Championship, is still chasing her first major title after missing the cut in Texas the previous year.
Patty Tavatanakit posted a bogey‑free round with five birdies in her first 18 holes, while Somi Lee recorded six birdies before a late‑round stumble cost her a shot. 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 three‑under group. Rhodes got off to a strong start, carding two birdies in her first three holes before a bogey on the fourth hole slowed her momentum.
She rebounded with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and only a single bogey at the 11th hole blemished an otherwise smooth back‑nine, leaving her comfortably in the top ten. Hull’s front nine was flawless, a 35‑stroke stretch that included a birdie on the third hole.
However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her rhythm, though she recovered with two birdies surrounding a dropped shot in the final three holes, ultimately finishing the round level par. The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, entered the tournament after triumphing in a dramatic playoff at the 2025 Chevron Championship, where she outlasted four competitors to retain the title. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if she can repeat her success or if a new champion will emerge. Looking ahead, the second round of the Chevron Championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event starting at 4 p.m.
on Friday. Viewers can also stream the event without a contract through various online platforms.
The tournament promises to deliver more excitement as the field of elite golfers battles for the coveted Chevron trophy. Beyond the competition, Sky Sports encourages golf enthusiasts to explore the UK and Ireland’s extensive network of over 1,700 courses. By entering a course name, city, or postcode on the Sky Sports booking portal, players can find the best rates and secure tee times at a wide range of venues, from historic links to modern parkland layouts. Although the search function occasionally returns no results for certain queries, the platform remains a valuable resource for planning a round of golf across the region.
In summary, the opening day of the 2026 Chevron Championship set the stage for a thrilling major season. Nelly Korda’s commanding lead, Mimi Rhodes’s promising debut, and Charley Hull’s steady but unspectacular start illustrate the depth of talent on display. With three more majors on the horizon, the race for the season’s first major title is wide open, and golf fans can expect plenty of drama, skill, and unforgettable moments as the tournament unfolds.