England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes has positioned herself among the leaders at the Chevron Championship, while Nelly Korda seized the initiative in the first women’s major of the 2026 season. The world No. 2 Korda delivered a flawless, bogey‑free round of 65, seven under par, marking her best opening performance at a major in four years. Her score placed her two strokes ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee, establishing a clear early gap at the top of the leaderboard.
American amateur Farah O’Keefe also made a notable impression, posting a 68 that tied her for fourth place alongside three other competitors. Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, making her debut at the tournament, carded a solid 69, which landed her in a ten‑way tie for eighth after the first round.
Rhodes explained that her preparation and familiarity with the course gave her an edge. “I think I felt ready,” she said. “Arriving on Sunday helped because I could see the layout a bit more and spend extra time on site.” She added that being comfortable with the surroundings allowed her to settle in quickly.
“I was able to get my bearings, do as much prep as possible, and feel confident heading into this round. It was really about committing to each shot and staying confident, which I think I managed.” The Englishwoman also reflected on the confidence boost she received from her performance at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she finished six under par and tied for 10th place. “That event was different mentally because I had an invitation and there was no cut, so I could play more freely,” Rhodes explained. “I’ve taken those positive emotions forward.
When I’m confident and commit to my shots, I tend to start strong, especially when I’m not worrying about the cut line.” Looking ahead, Rhodes emphasized a relaxed mindset for the remainder of the major. “This is the first major of the year, with three more to go. I’m trying to play relaxed golf and not put too much pressure on myself,” she said. “Just stay confident and enjoy the experience.” Charley Hull, another English contender and world No.
4, opened with a level‑par 72, which left her five strokes behind the leaders and tied for 26th after round one. Hull, who was runner‑up at the Chevron in 2016, is still seeking 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 notched six birdies before a late bogey on the 18th hole. China’s Yan Liu also made an early impression, carding a four‑under 68 that briefly placed her among the leaders before Rhodes settled into a three‑under group.
Rhodes’ round began strongly with two birdies in her first three holes, though a bogey on the fourth hole temporarily halted her momentum. She recovered by adding three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and only a single bogey on the 11th hole blemished an otherwise smooth back‑nine, leaving her with a respectable 69. Hull’s front nine was flawless, posting a 35 that included a birdie on the third hole. However, after the turn she struggled with three bogeys, though she managed to finish strongly with two birdies flanking a dropped shot in the final three holes.
The defending champion, Japan’s Mao Saigo, entered the tournament after clinching a dramatic playoff victory in 2025. She will be looking to repeat her success as the field tightens. As the Chevron Championship progresses, fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports.
The second round coverage begins on Friday at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available without a contract. For those interested in playing the sport themselves, Sky Sports also offers booking services for over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, allowing enthusiasts to experience the game on a variety of venues.
Overall, the opening round has set the stage for an exciting major, with Korda leading the pack, Rhodes emerging as a serious contender, and Hull looking to regain her form. The tournament promises more drama and high‑level golf as the players navigate the challenging Houston layout over the coming days.