Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas
Start Time (Round 1): Thursday, April 23 at 11 a.m. ET on Golf Channel
Purse: $9 million, increased by $1 million for 2026
Format: 72‑hole stroke play, par‑72 layout measuring 6,811 yards
Course & Conditions
Memorial Park replaces Carlton Woods as the new host, bringing the major into downtown Houston. The course was redesigned by Tom Doak in 2019 and is considered one of Texas’ top municipal layouts, previously hosting the PGA Tour’s Houston Open.
Expected Weather (Seasonal Inference)
Late April in Houston typically features:
Highs in the mid‑70s to low‑80s°F
Moderate humidity
Light winds
Chance of scattered showers
These conditions generally produce medium‑firm greens and manageable scoring conditions. (Weather inferred; not provided in sources.)
Tournament History
The Chevron Championship dates to 1972 and became a major in 1983. It is famous for the winner’s leap into the pond at the 18th green—a tradition preserved this year with a temporary pool installed beside Memorial Park’s finishing hole.
Defending Champion: Mao Saigo, who won a five‑way playoff in 2025.
Field Strength & Player Matchups
Top Contenders (Power Rankings)
Golf Digest highlights several elite players entering in strong form:
Jeeno Thitikul — World No. 1, already a 2026 winner.
Nelly Korda — Won the Tournament of Champions and posted three straight runner‑up finishes.
Hyo‑Joo Kim — Multiple top finishes this season.
Hannah Green — The hottest player on tour with four worldwide wins in 2026.
Other Notables
Mao Saigo — Defending champion, seeking back‑to‑back majors.
Charley Hull — Recent winner in Saudi Arabia; top‑five world ranking.
Haeran Ryu — Leads the LPGA in top‑10 finishes this season.
Recent Player Form & Trends
Korda has not finished outside the top two in four starts—arguably the best form on tour.
Green enters with unmatched momentum, winning four times already in 2026.
Ryu is consistently contending, including a playoff appearance last year.
Betting Landscape
GolfMagic lists the early odds:
Nelly Korda: 11/2 (favorite)
Jeeno Thitikul: 12/1
Hyo‑Joo Kim & Miyuu Yamashita: 16/1
Hannah Green: 18/1
Saigo, the defending champion, is expected to attract strong support after last year’s dramatic playoff win.
Projected Contenders
1. Nelly Korda — Best form on tour; past champion. 2. Jeeno Thitikul — World No. 1 with elite ball‑striking. 3. Hannah Green — Hottest player entering the major. 4. Mao Saigo — Defending champion with proven major composure.
