The Chevron Championship officially kicks off the major season for professional women's golf. From April 23 to 26, Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course will host the tournament for the first time, setting the stage for high-stakes competition.


1. The Season's First Major

Women's golf features five majors annually. The Chevron Championship serves as the opening event, followed by the U.S. Women's Open, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, The Amundi Evian Championship, and the AIG Women's Open. Since 1983, this event has held major status, previously known by names like the Kraft Nabisco Championship and ANA Inspiration.


2. A New Venue: Memorial Park

Moving from The Woodlands to Memorial Park in Houston brings the tournament closer to the title sponsor's headquarters. While the course plays shorter than it did for the men's tour last month, recent rains and challenging conditions are expected to test the field. Several competitors are leveraging local knowledge from their peers who frequently play the course.


3. Record Purse and Player Perks

Tournament organizers have increased the prize pool to $9 million, with the champion set to earn $1,350,000. Additionally, the event has introduced player-friendly amenities, including a $10,000 stipend for those who miss the cut and courtesy cars—Cadillacs for the field and Bentleys for past winners.


4. The Evolution of 'Poppie’s Pond'

The iconic victory jump into the water is moving to a temporary, concrete-lined pool this year. While a permanent pond is planned for 2027, the current installation has sparked debate regarding its depth and necessity. Should a player accidentally hit a ball into this pool, they are granted free relief.


5. Pursuing the Career Grand Slam

The LPGA defines a career Grand Slam as winning four of the five majors. Under this criteria, players like In Gee Chun, Minjee Lee, and Anna Nordqvist have the potential to achieve the feat this week. Debate continues among enthusiasts about whether a full sweep of all five is the only true mark of a 'Super' Grand Slam.


6. Elite Amateur Participation

The field includes eight of the world's top amateurs, featuring the top four ranked players globally: Kiara Romero, Paula Martin Sampedro, Andrea Revuelta, and Farah O'Keefe, alongside other rising stars like Asterisk Talley and Megha Ganne.


7. Nelly Korda’s Dominance

World No. 2 Nelly Korda enters the tournament in historic form. Having finished no lower than second in her four tour appearances this season, including several victories and runner-up finishes, she is a strong favorite to secure her third career major.


8. Stacy Lewis’s Final Farewell

Former champion Stacy Lewis is set to play her final LPGA event. The 41-year-old, who is currently four months pregnant, is concluding an illustrious career that includes 13 wins and significant advocacy for maternity leave and fertility support in professional golf.


9. Hannah Green’s Winning Streak

Australia’s Hannah Green is arguably the most in-form player heading into the event. Having secured four victories since March 1, including the JM Eagle LA Championship, she carries significant momentum into this major.


10. The Potential for Playoff Drama

Since 2015, The Chevron Championship has seen more playoffs than any other women's major—six in total. Last year's dramatic five-way, sudden-death finish suggests that fans should be prepared for a nail-biting conclusion on Sunday.