Mimi Rhodes of England signaled that she is a genuine contender at this year’s Chevron Championship, even as world No. 2 Nelly Korda seized the early advantage in the season’s first women’s major.
Korda delivered a flawless, bogey‑free round of 65, seven strokes under par, marking her best opening score at a major in four years. Her performance placed her two shots clear of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee, who both shared second place. Among the notable performances, American amateur Farah O’Keefe joined a four‑way tie for fourth after carding a solid 68 in the opening round. Rookie LPGA player Rhodes, making her debut at the tournament, posted a 69, which landed her in a ten‑player tie for eighth place.
"I think I felt ready," Rhodes said after her round. "Getting here on Sunday helped; I was able to see the course a bit more and spend more time on site." She added that the extra preparation gave her a better sense of direction and confidence. "I felt more comfortable finding my bearings. I did as much prep as I could and felt at ease heading into this round.
It was really about committing to my shots and staying confident, which I think I managed." Rhodes also reflected on the boost she received from her strong showing at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished tied for 10th with a six‑under‑par total. "That event was different mentally because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely," she explained. "I’ve taken those positive emotions from that experience and applied them here.
I tend to perform well in the first round when I’m confident, committed to my shots, and not worrying about the cut line." With the Chevron Championship being the first major of the year and three more to follow, Rhodes emphasized the importance of staying relaxed. "I’m just trying to play relaxed golf and not put too much pressure on myself," she said.
"The goal is to enjoy the tournament and let the results come naturally." Meanwhile, fellow Englishwoman and world No. 4 Charley Hull opened her campaign with a level‑par 72, leaving her five strokes behind the leader and tied for 26th after the first round. Hull, who was runner‑up at the same event in 2016, is still hunting her first major title after missing the cut in Texas the previous year.
Patty Tavatanakit posted a flawless front nine, recording five birdies without a bogey, while Somi Lee made six birdies before a late‑round slip cost her a shot. China’s Yan Liu also made an early impact, posting a four‑under‑par 68 to sit just behind the leading duo before Rhodes settled into a group tied at three under. Rhodes got off to a strong start, birdieing two of 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 the only blemish on her back nine was a single bogey at the 11th hole.
Hull, on the other hand, enjoyed a clean front nine of 35, highlighted by a birdie on the third hole, but three bogeys after the turn threatened her position. She managed to recover with two birdies surrounding a dropped shot in the final three holes, keeping her within striking distance.
The tournament also featured defending champion Mao Saigo, who entered the week after clinching a dramatic playoff victory in 2025. As the field settles, the question remains: who will ultimately claim the Chevron Championship crown? Fans can follow the action live throughout the week on Sky Sports, with second‑round coverage beginning Friday at 4 pm on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
The event is also available for streaming without a contract. Beyond the competition, golf enthusiasts can take advantage of special offers to book tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
By entering a course name, city, or postcode, players can find the best prices and secure a round at a nearby venue. While some searches may return no results, the platform continuously updates its listings to provide a wide selection of playing options. Overall, the opening round of the 2026 Chevron Championship has set the stage for an exciting major season.
With Korda’s dominant start, Rhodes’s confident debut, and Hull’s steady pursuit, the leaderboard is poised for further shifts as the tournament progresses. The blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents promises compelling storylines and high‑quality golf as the competition moves forward.