The prestigious Chevron Championship is embarking on a new chapter, relocating to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. This important move, announced recently, marks a departure from its three-year residency at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, texas.
A New Home for the Chevron Championship
Scheduled for April 23-26, 2026, the tournament will now follow the PGA TourS Texas Children’s Houston Open, which takes place just a month prior at the same venue. this strategic positioning aims to capitalize on the heightened interest in golf within the city and provide a seamless experience for fans. I’ve found that clustering major sporting events can considerably boost attendance and media coverage.
The decision reflects Chevron’s ongoing commitment to elevating women’s golf, extending beyond simply sponsoring a championship. As stated by LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler, “Moving the Chevron championship to Memorial Park Golf Course strengthens that vision. It brings the event closer to the heart of Houston, connecting more fans and communities to our athletes, and helping ensure this major – a tradition that began in 1972 – continues to shine as one of the game’s most meaningful stages.”
Memorial Park boasts a rich golfing history,having hosted the houston Open 14 times between 1947 and 1963. A considerable $34 million renovation,spearheaded by architect Tom Doak,revitalized the course,leading to the tournament’s return in 2020. Furthermore, the Houston Open itself transitioned to a spring date in 2024, creating a favorable schedule alignment.
Previously, the Chevron Championship enjoyed a 51-year tenure at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, California, before its move to Carlton Woods in 2023. This latest relocation underscores the LPGA’s proactive approach to venue selection, prioritizing accessibility and fan engagement.
Do you think moving the championship to a more accessible location will attract a wider audience?
The Impact on Tradition: Poppie’s Pond
The shift to Memorial Park introduces a notable change to a beloved tradition: the celebratory jump into Poppie’s pond. With no comparable water feature surrounding the 18th green at Memorial Park, the iconic post-victory plunge may become a thing of the past. Last year’s champion, Mao Saigo, experienced a slight challenge exiting the pond due to her swimming abilities, adding a humorous anecdote to the tradition’s history.
