Full Breakdown
Chevron Championship Moves to Memorial Park: A New Era for LPGA's First Major
1/7/2026, 9:57:04 PM
Venue Change and Significance
The Chevron Championship, the LPGA's first major of the year, is relocating to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, scheduled for April 23-26, 2024. This marks a significant shift from its previous venue, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at the Club at Carlton Woods, where it was held for the past three years. The move aims to bring the tournament closer to Chevron's headquarters and downtown Houston, enhancing community engagement and accessibility for fans.
Laura Lane, Chevron's chief corporate affairs officer, emphasized the company's long-standing connection to Houston, stating, “For more than a century, Houston has been central to Chevron's story.” The partnership with Memorial Park is seen as a way to honor this legacy while promoting women's golf.
Historical Context and Renovation
Memorial Park has a rich history in hosting golf events, having welcomed the Houston Open 14 times between 1947 and 1963. After a $34 million renovation led by architect Tom Doak, the course returned to the PGA Tour in 2020. The Houston Open is set to take place at Memorial Park from March 26-29, 2024, just weeks before the Chevron Championship.
The Chevron Championship has a storied tradition, having been contested since 1972 and becoming a major in 1983. Previously held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, the tournament is known for its unique celebratory tradition of winners jumping into Poppie’s Pond, a feature that will not be replicated at Memorial Park due to the absence of water near the 18th green.
Official Statements and Perspectives
LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler remarked on the significance of the move, stating, “Chevron’s partnership continues to set a standard for what it means to invest in women’s golf — not just as a championship, but as a platform to inspire and grow the game.” He believes that relocating the championship will strengthen its connection to the Houston community and enhance its visibility.
Jim Crane, chairman of the Astros Golf Foundation, which financed the renovation of Memorial Park, echoed this sentiment, asserting that hosting the Chevron Championship at the municipal course underscores a commitment to providing a world-class experience for fans and players alike.
Criticism and Concerns
While the move has been largely welcomed, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential loss of the celebratory jump into the pond, a tradition that has become synonymous with the tournament. Last year's winner, Mao Saigo, faced difficulties returning to the dock after her jump, highlighting safety issues that could arise from such traditions being altered or eliminated.
What's Next
The relocation of the Chevron Championship is part of a broader strategy by Kessler, who has been commissioner for less than 200 days. His initiatives include enhancing the LPGA's television presence and securing new sponsorships, such as Golf Saudi for a new tournament. The upcoming Chevron Championship at Memorial Park is anticipated to draw larger crowds and elevate the profile of women's golf in Houston and beyond.
