The Chevron Championship Announces Purse Increase to $9 Million Beginning in 2026 The Chevron Championship will feature a record purse of $9 million starting in 2026, marking a significant increase from the $8 million offered in previous years. This adjustment reflects the tournament’s growing stature as one of the LPGA Tour’s five major championships and its continued investment in women’s professional golf. Held annually in the spring, The Chevron Championship traditionally opens the LPGA major season. Since 2023, the event has been hosted in the Greater Houston area, with the 2026 edition scheduled to take place at Memorial Park Golf Course from April 23 to April 26. The move to Memorial Park marks a new chapter for the tournament, which previously resided at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in The Woodlands from 2023 to 2025. The purse increase underscores Chevron Corporation’s ongoing commitment as title sponsor, a partnership that prompted the tournament’s relocation to Texas in 2023. The sponsorship has enabled enhancements to player compensation, course conditions, and fan experience, aligning with broader efforts to elevate the profile of women’s golf on the global stage. Memorial Park Golf Course, a municipal course redesigned to meet championship standards, will host its first major championship in 2026. The course measures 6,811 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72. Known for its tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering, the venue presents a true test of skill for the world’s top female golfers. As the season’s first major, The Chevron Championship carries significant implications for the LPGA Tour’s season-long points race and Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. A strong performance can set the tone for a player’s entire year, while victory confers major championship status and a substantial boost in earnings and prestige. The tournament maintains several longstanding traditions, including the champion’s celebratory dive into the pond near the 18th hole—a practice initiated by Amy Alcott in 1988 and continued at each host venue since. This lighthearted ritual remains a fan favorite and a distinctive element of the championship’s identity. With increased financial support, a world-class venue, and a legacy of excellence, The Chevron Championship is positioned to remain a cornerstone of women’s golf. The 2026 edition promises to deliver compelling competition, historic moments, and continued progress toward greater equity and visibility in the sport.
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