England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes has thrown her hat into the ring at the Chevron Championship, while Nelly Korda has seized the early advantage in the first women’s major of the 2026 season. Korda, currently ranked No.

2 in the world, posted a flawless seven‑under‑par 65, the best opening round she has recorded at a major in four years, and now sits two strokes clear of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee. Amateur Farah O’Keefe from the United States was also in the mix, sharing a four‑way tie for fourth place after carding a solid 68. Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, making her debut at the Chevron, posted a respectable 69, which placed her in a ten‑player tie for eighth after the first round.

Rhodes explained that her preparation paid off. “I think I felt ready,” she said. “Getting to the course on Sunday gave me extra time to walk the layout and get a feel for the conditions, which was a real advantage.” She added that familiarity with the venue helped her settle in.

“I was more comfortable finding my bearings. I did all the prep I could, and that confidence carried over into my round. It was really about committing to my shots and staying confident, which I think I managed well.” She also reflected on her recent performance at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six‑under 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,” Rhodes explained. “I’ve taken those positive emotions from that tournament and applied them here. When I’m confident and committed, I tend to start strong, and I tried to bring that mindset into this major.” Rhodes emphasized that she wants to keep the pressure low.

“The first major of the year is just the beginning – there are three more to go. I’m trying to play relaxed golf and not over‑think the cut line,” she said. “If I stay relaxed and trust my game, the results will follow.” Her compatriot, world No. 4 Charley Hull, opened with an even‑par 72, which left her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after round one.

Hull’s round was steady but lacked the firepower needed to challenge Korda’s early lead. The English veteran, who was runner‑up at the Chevron in 2016, is still hunting her first major title after missing the cut in Texas the previous year. Patty Tavatanakit posted a bogey‑free round, recording five birdies in her first 18 holes, while Somi Lee made six birdies before a late bogey on the 18th.

China’s Yan Liu also made an early impression, carding a four‑under 68 to sit just behind the leaders, while Rhodes settled into a three‑under group after her solid start. Rhodes’ opening holes were aggressive: she birdied two of her first three attempts before a bogey on the fourth hole slowed her momentum.

She recovered with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and a single bogey at the 11th was the only blemish on her back nine, allowing her to finish at three under par. Hull, on the other hand, posted a flawless front nine of 35, highlighted by a birdie on the third hole.

However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her round, though she managed to claw back with two birdies on the final three holes, ending with an even‑par 72. The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, returned to defend her title after winning a dramatic playoff in 2025. She will be looking to repeat her success as the tournament progresses. As the second round approaches, fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports.

Coverage begins on Friday at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available without a contract. The Chevron Championship promises to deliver more excitement as the field of world‑class players battles for the coveted trophy. For those interested in playing golf themselves, the UK and Ireland boast over 1,700 courses where you can book a round.

Simply enter a course name, city, or postcode to find the best rates and availability. Overall, the early stages of the 2026 Chevron Championship have set the stage for a thrilling competition.

Korda’s dominant opening round puts her in a strong position, while Rhodes’ confident debut signals that she could be a dark horse as the tournament unfolds. Hull remains in pursuit of her first major, and the rest of the field will be looking to capitalize on any opportunity to climb the leaderboard. The story is still being written, and golf enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely to see who ultimately lifts the Chevron trophy.