England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes has positioned herself as a genuine contender at the Chevron Championship, even as world No. 2 Nelly Korda seized the early lead in the first women’s major of the 2026 season. Korda delivered a flawless, bogey‑free round of 65, seven under par, marking her best opening performance at a major in four years and establishing a two‑stroke cushion over Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee. American amateur Farah O’Keefe also impressed, posting a 68 that placed her in a four‑way tie for fourth after the first day.

Meanwhile, LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes recorded a solid 69 on her debut, landing her in a ten‑player tie for eighth place. Rhodes explained that her preparation and familiarity with the course gave her an edge. “I think I felt ready,” she said.

“Getting here on Sunday was probably a benefit because I could see the layout a bit more and spend extra time on site.” She added that the additional practice helped her feel comfortable navigating the course. “I felt more at ease finding my bearings.

I did as much prep as I could and felt confident coming into this round. It was really about committing to my shots and trusting my game, which I think I did.” The Englishwoman also reflected on lessons learned from her strong showing 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,” Rhodes explained. “I’ve taken those emotions and applied them here. When I’m confident and committed, I tend to perform well in the first round, without worrying about the cut line.” Looking ahead, Rhodes said she intends to keep her approach relaxed. “This is the first major of the year, and there are three more to go.

I want to play relaxed golf and not put too much pressure on myself.” Her compatriot, world No. 4 Charley Hull, started her quest for a maiden major title with an even‑par 72, which left her five strokes behind and tied for 26th after round one. Hull, who was runner‑up in 2016, missed the cut in Texas the previous year and is eager to improve on that result.

Patty Tavatanakit posted a bogey‑free round, carding five birdies over the first 18 holes, while Somi Lee recorded six birdies before a late bogey on the final hole. China’s Yan Liu followed the early leaders with a four‑under 68, before Rhodes settled into a group tied at three under. Rhodes got off to a strong start, making two birdies in her first three holes before a bogey on the fourth halted her momentum.

She recovered with three more birdies to reach the turn in 32 strokes, and a single bogey on the 11th was the only blemish on her back nine, allowing her to finish the day at three under. Hull’s front nine was flawless, posting a 35 that included a birdie on the third hole. However, three bogeys after the turn threatened her position, though she rallied with two birdies around a dropped shot on the final three holes, ending the round at even par. Defending champion Mao Saigo entered the tournament after triumphing in a playoff at the 2025 Chevron Championship, where she bested four other competitors.

The field now looks to see whether Korda can extend her early dominance, whether Rhodes will climb the leaderboard, or if Hull can rediscover the form that once put her on the brink of a major victory. 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 tournament is also available for streaming without a contract, offering viewers a chance to watch the drama unfold in real time. In addition to the competition, Sky Sports promotes its broader golf offerings, including the ability to book tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.

Golf enthusiasts can search for courses by name, city, or postal code, though the current search feature is reporting no results for the entered queries. This service aims to connect players with convenient playing options, complementing the excitement of professional tournaments. As the Chevron Championship progresses, the narrative will focus on whether Korda can maintain her two‑stroke lead, if Rhodes can continue her steady climb up the leaderboard, and whether Hull can overcome her early struggles to chase her first major title.

The tournament promises high‑quality golf, compelling storylines, and the chance for emerging talents to make their mark on the sport.