England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes signalled her intent to challenge for the title 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 free of any bogeys, marked her best opening score at a major in four years and placed her two strokes ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee.
American amateur Farah O’Keefe also made a strong impression, sharing a four‑way tie for fourth after carding a 68. Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Rhodes, playing her first major, posted a respectable 69, which positioned her within a ten‑player tie for eighth place. “I felt ready,” Rhodes explained after her round.
“Arriving on Sunday gave me the chance to walk the course a bit more and get a feel for it, which was definitely an advantage.” She added that the extra time on site helped her settle in, allowing her to focus on committing to each shot with confidence. “I did as much preparation as I could, and I was comfortable heading into the round. It was all about staying committed and believing in my game.” Rhodes reflected on the confidence she gained from her performance at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th.
“That event was different mentally because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely,” she said. “I’ve taken those positive emotions with me.
I tend to start strong when I’m confident, when I trust my shot‑making and I’m not worrying about the cut line.” She emphasized a relaxed approach for the remainder of the major season, noting that the Chevron is only the first of four majors this year. “I want to keep playing relaxed golf and not put too much pressure on myself,” Rhodes said. “There are three more majors to go, so I’ll just take it one round at a time.” Charley Hull, Rhodes’ compatriot and currently world No. 4, opened her campaign with a level‑par 72, leaving her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after round one.
Hull’s round was steady but lacked the firepower needed to climb the leaderboard quickly. She had previously finished runner‑up at the Chevron in 2016 and remains hungry for her first major title after missing the cut in Texas the previous year. Tavatanakit’s opening round was flawless, featuring five birdies and no bogeys across the front nine, while Lee recorded six birdies before a late‑round bogey on the 18th.
China’s Yan Liu also made an early impact, posting a four‑under 68 to sit just behind the leading duo before Rhodes settled into a three‑under group. Rhodes’ round began explosively with two birdies in her first three holes, though a bogey‑five on the fourth hole briefly stalled her momentum.
She recovered 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 with a solid 69. Hull’s front nine was immaculate, carding a 35 that included a birdie on the third hole.
However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her progress, though she rallied with two birdies surrounding a dropped shot in the final three holes, ultimately finishing at even par. Defending champion Mao Saigo entered the tournament with confidence after winning a dramatic playoff in 2025, but the early rounds indicated a tightly contested battle among the world’s elite. Korda’s commanding lead set the tone, yet Rhodes’ steady play and Hull’s experience suggested the leaderboard could shift dramatically over the next two days. Fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports, with second‑round coverage slated to begin on Friday at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. The tournament will also be streamed without a contract, offering viewers flexible access to the competition. Beyond the Chevron Championship, golf enthusiasts are encouraged to explore booking opportunities at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
By entering a course name, city, or postcode, players can find the best rates and secure tee times, though occasional searches may return no results and prompt a new attempt. Overall, the opening major of the 2026 season has delivered an exciting mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. While Korda’s early surge places her in a strong position, Rhodes’ confident debut and Hull’s persistent pursuit of a maiden major keep the competition wide open. As the tournament progresses, the narrative will continue to evolve, promising further drama and high‑quality golf for fans worldwide.