The Chevron Championship, the first major of the LPGA season, is set to take place from Thursday, April 24, to Sunday, April 27, 2025, at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. With a $8 million purse, including $1.2 million for the winner, this prestigious event promises high drama as the world’s best women golfers compete for the Dinah Shore Trophy.
Tournament Format
The Chevron Championship follows a 72-hole stroke-play format, with a 36-hole cut to the top 65 players and ties. The tournament will test players’ precision and mental fortitude on one of the LPGA’s most challenging courses.
Course Overview: The Club at Carlton Woods
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
- Length: 6,911 yards
- Par: 72
- Features:
- The course is known for its strategic layout, featuring multi-tiered greens, water hazards, and extensive bunkering.
- Players will face challenges such as tight fairways and elevation changes, demanding accuracy and adaptability.
- The par-5 18th hole serves as a dramatic finishing stage, often deciding the champion.
Key Players to Watch
Nelly Korda (USA)
- Defending Champion: Korda won her second career major at the 2024 Chevron Championship, marking her fifth consecutive LPGA victory.
- Recent Form: The world No. 1 is seeking her first win of 2025, having finished T16 at the JM Eagle LA Championship.
- Strengths: Korda’s consistency and ability to handle pressure make her a favorite to defend her title.
Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand)
- World No. 2: Thitikul has earned five top-10 finishes this season and is considered one of the best players yet to win a major.
- Course History: Finished T4 in 2023 and held the third-round lead last year before severe weather disrupted play.
- Strengths: Her all-around game and calm demeanor under pressure position her as a strong contender.
Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
- Major Champion: Ko won this event in its previous incarnation at Mission Hills and is aiming for her fourth career major title.
- Recent Form: Already a winner in 2025, Ko’s experience and precision make her a threat.
Maja Stark (Sweden)
- Runner-Up in 2024: Stark finished two strokes behind Korda last year and is looking to build on her first top-10 finish of the season.
- Strengths: Stark’s aggressive playstyle could give her an edge on this demanding course.
Minjee Lee (Australia)
- Two-Time Major Winner: Lee’s ability to navigate challenging layouts makes her a player to watch.
- Strengths: Her sharp iron play and strategic approach are well-suited to Carlton Woods.
Rising Stars and Amateurs
The field includes eight elite amateurs, such as Carla Bernat Escuder, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, and Asterisk Talley, the U.S. Girls’ Junior winner. These young talents will look to make their mark alongside seasoned professionals.
Tournament Outlook
The Chevron Championship promises a thrilling start to the LPGA major season, with a star-studded field competing on a challenging course. Players will need precision, strategy, and mental resilience to contend for the Dinah Shore Trophy.
