2026 Chevron Championship Round 1 Tee Times at Memorial Park

There's something electric about a major championship morning. The dew still clings to the fairways, the grandstands fill with anticipation, and somewhere in the distance, a starter's voice cuts through the Texas humidity. This Thursday at Memorial Park in Houston, the 2026 Chevron Championship begins—and I cannot wait.

A Course Worth the Pilgrimage

Memorial Park has quietly become one of the most compelling municipal courses in American golf. Redesigned by Tom Doak, this Houston gem offers rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and the kind of layout that rewards both power and precision. For the world's best women golfers, it presents a worthy stage—one that demands creativity off the tee and nerve on the greens.

Walking these fairways during practice rounds, you sense the reverence players have for this place. It's not Pebble Beach clinging to cliffs or Augusta National draped in azaleas, but Memorial Park has its own quiet dignity. The oak-lined corridors and bayou hazards create a distinctly Texan challenge, and Thursday's opening round promises to test every player in the field.

The Marquee Pairing

All eyes will follow the 2:39 p.m. ET grouping, and for good reason. Nelly Korda steps to the tee seeking her third career major title, alongside defending champion Mao Saigo and the formidable Lilia Vu. This is the kind of pairing that makes you rearrange your afternoon schedule.

Korda arrives in Houston with momentum and hunger. She captured the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions to open the season—though the final round's cancellation left some asterisks in the air—and came agonizingly close at the Fortinet Founders Cup, where a late three-putt cost her the title. The No. 1 ranking she held for so long now belongs to Jeeno Thitikul, and you can sense Korda's determination to reclaim it.

Saigo, meanwhile, returns as champion, carrying the confidence that comes with knowing you've conquered this course before. And Vu? She's proven herself capable of the deepest brilliance in major competition. This afternoon pairing could very well determine Sunday's narrative.

Morning Stars to Watch

The beauty of a major championship lies in its depth. While casual fans await the afternoon wave, the morning tee times harbor their own intrigue. At 9:39 a.m. ET, Lexi Thompson, Patty Tavatanakit, and Lydia Ko form a group representing three distinct eras of LPGA excellence. Thompson's power, Ko's precision, Tavatanakit's emerging consistency—this trio rewards early viewers.

I'm also drawn to the 9:15 a.m. grouping of Hannah Green, Hyo Joo Kim, and Charley Hull. Hull, in particular, has developed a devoted following for her fearless shotmaking and refreshing candor. Watch her navigate Memorial Park's demanding approach shots.

And for those who appreciate international flavor, the 8:27 a.m. pairing brings together Celine Boutier of France alongside Americans Sophia Schubert and Belgium's Manon De Roey—a reminder that this championship draws the game's finest from across the globe.

How to Watch

Golf Channel carries Thursday's coverage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, then returns for evening coverage from 6-8 p.m. ET. Peacock offers a live simulcast beginning at 11 a.m. ET for those streaming. My recommendation? Clear your calendar and commit to the afternoon session. When Korda's group reaches the first tee, you'll want to be watching.

The Takeaway

The 2026 Chevron Championship opens with compelling storylines at every turn: Korda's pursuit of redemption and rankings, Saigo's title defense, and a field stacked with major champions and rising stars. Memorial Park provides the perfect canvas. Thursday's opening round will reveal who handled first-tee nerves and who wilted under major championship pressure. This is why we love this game.