Nelly Korda Takes Two-Shot Lead in Opening Round of 2026 Chevron Championship American golfer Nelly Korda carded a 6-under-par 66 in the first round of the 2026 Chevron Championship to seize a two-shot lead over the field. The round, played at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, marked the opening day of the LPGA Tour’s first major championship of the season. Korda’s strong start featured birdies on holes 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9, with a bogey-free front nine setting the tone for her round. She maintained her momentum on the back nine, avoiding further mistakes to finish at 7-under par through 18 holes. Her performance built on a recent trend of consistent play, including a win at the 2024 Chevron Championship and a victory at the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The 2026 Chevron Championship features a record purse of $9 million, with the winner set to earn $1.35 million. The tournament field includes top-ranked players from around the world, all competing for the season’s first major title. Weather conditions during the opening round included intermittent rain, though forecasts indicated improving conditions for the weekend. Korda, who skipped the JM Eagle LA Championship the week prior to focus on rest and preparation, credited her physical and mental readiness for her strong start. She emphasized the importance of scheduling recovery time between tournaments to maintain peak performance throughout the season. As play continues over the next three days, Korda will look to extend her lead and secure her third major championship victory. The Chevron Championship remains a pivotal event on the LPGA calendar, with its increased purse and elevated status drawing significant attention from fans and competitors alike.
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