The Upcoming Venue Change for the Chevron Championship: A New Chapter for Women’s Golf

The LPGA’s Chevron Championship, recognized as the first major of the season, is poised for another significant venue change. This decision has sparked conversations throughout the golfing community and signals a new beginning for one of women’s golf’s premier tournaments.

According to reports from Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols, the Chevron Championship will relocate from The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, to Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course in 2026. This move comes after the tournament enjoyed a long tenure in Southern California from 1972 until 2022, making it a highly anticipated event in the LPGA calendar.

Memorial Park Golf Course is not just any ordinary course; it has a rich history as it previously hosted the Houston Open during the 1950s and 1960s. Following a $34 million renovation designed by eminent golf architect Tom Doak, Memorial Park rejoined the PGA Tour schedule in 2020. It is currently ranked 88th in GOLF’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S. for 2024-25 and holds the 16th position in Texas, highlighting its significance in the state’s golfing landscape.

In recent years, the quality of play at Memorial Park has garnered rave reviews. The course’s overseeded conditions have provided an exceptional golfing experience, as evidenced by the recent triumph of Min Woo Lee at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. He secured the victory against World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, further underscoring the course’s competitive stature in the professional golfing arena.

Despite its recent renovations and accolades, the move of the Chevron Championship to Memorial Park was met with some controversy. The tournament’s previous home for five years was at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club, which made the transition a significant topic among players and fans alike. The event’s dates were also altered, moving from its traditional slot before the Masters to avoid clashing with the newly established Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

The Chevron Corporation, which became the title sponsor in 2021, played a crucial role in the tournament’s relocation. As part of their sponsorship agreement, they committed to moving the event to the Houston area by 2023, which has elevated the tournament’s profile. The purse for the Chevron Championship has seen a significant increase, rising by 60% to $5 million in 2022, showcasing the sponsors’ commitment to enhancing the experience for players and fans.

Despite the upheaval, there still remain two years left on the contract with The Club at Carlton Woods, creating additional intricacies as the LPGA prepares for this transition. As the 2026 LPGA schedule is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming CME Group Tour Championship, the changes are likely to create a buzz within the golfing community.

Ricki Lasky, LPGA’s chief tour business and operations officer, expressed enthusiasm about finalizing the schedule, stating, “We’re in active discussions finalizing next season’s schedule and are excited about what’s ahead. There are still some moving parts, but we feel really good about the progress we’ve made.” This anticipation reflects the LPGA’s ongoing commitment to building momentum for women’s golf.

One of the cherished traditions linked to the Chevron Championship is the champion’s jump into “Poppie’s Pond” after claiming victory. However, adapting this custom to Memorial Park could present a challenge, as the 18th hole does not feature any water. The original tradition was successfully carried over to The Club at Carlton Woods, where they had modified the area to accommodate this popular celebration, indicating that further planning will be necessary to maintain this engaging ritual.

Looking ahead, the move to Memorial Park represents more than just a change of scenery; it symbolizes growth and progress for women’s golf. As the Chevron Championship continues to evolve, it will bring about new opportunities for players and fans alike while maintaining the spirit of excellence that has long defined this prestigious event.

In conclusion, the Chevron Championship’s transition to Memorial Park Golf Course is a significant milestone in the LPGA Tour’s history. With its storied past, enhanced facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Memorial Park is set to welcome top female golfers from around the globe in a new chapter of the Chevron Championship. As we approach 2026, excitement builds for what lies ahead in this flagship tournament of women’s golf.