"That was a hard weekend... having that big of a lead, it's not easy. It was definitely one of the hardest things I've had to do mentally."
Korda Dominates at Chevron Championship, Seizes World No. 1
Nelly Korda won the LPGA Chevron Championship on March 31, 2026, finishing at 18 under par with a commanding five-shot victory. The win marks her third major championship and 17th LPGA Tour title, returning her to the world No. 1 ranking.
Tournament Performance
Korda completed the tournament at Houston's Memorial Park with rounds of 65-65-70-70, totaling 270. Her 36-hole score of 130 was the lowest in LPGA major history, excluding the Amundi Evian Championship.
Leading by five shots entering the final round, she maintained at least a four-shot advantage throughout the day. Korda achieved a wire-to-wire victory, holding the lead continuously after birdieing the 16th hole in her opening round. She finished two strokes shy of the tournament's 20-under-par record.
According to multiple sources, the victory lifts Korda to the top of the world rankings, surpassing Jeeno Thitikul, who missed the cut. Korda is projected to become world No. 1 on April 1, 2026, for the first time since August 2025.
Historical Context
The win is Korda's second Chevron Championship title in three seasons, following her 2024 victory. Her other major win came at the 2021 Women's PGA Championship. Korda joins Juli Inkster (1989) and Amy Alcott (1991) as the only players in the last 50 years to win an LPGA major while leading by multiple shots after each round.
Player Comments
Korda described the event as a mental challenge. She credited her family and caddie for their support during the tournament.
"That was a hard weekend. Honestly, having that big of a lead, it's not easy. It was definitely one of the hardest things I've had to do mentally."
Season Performance
Korda has competed in five tournaments in 2026, with no finish worse than second place. Her season began with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January. She has played in the final group in all five tournaments entered in 2026.
Attendance and Tradition
Early rounds at Memorial Park had sparse crowds, but attendance increased by the final round, with a large gallery present on the 18th hole. After her victory, Korda jumped into the temporary pool near the 18th green, continuing the tournament's tradition at its current venue.