2023 Chevron Championship Preview, Picks & Analysis

Golf prides itself on respecting tradition, but this week represents a distinct shift in progress as the Chevron Championship, the year's first major in the women's game, showcases its new home at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in the Greater Houston area.

For half a century, the world's best gathered at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, the same venue each season, making the event effectively the LPGA's equivalent of the Masters Tournament.

However, things have finally moved on following the substantial introduction and investment of Chevron, making America's Jennifer Kupcho the final winner to make that triumphant leap into Poppie's Pond.

Back to the present, Lydia Ko - who has enjoyed resurgent form in recent times - comes into the week as world number one. The New Zealander won this event at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course seven years ago, the second and most recent of her major titles. Astonishingly given her longevity and achievements, Ko is still only 25 with much to offer at this intriguing and challenging new stage.

Nelly Korda is likely the best hope from the United States, despite being winless in 2023. The former Women's PGA champion has more than enough power to overcome a layout that is set to measure around 6,800 yards during the four days.

It wasn't long ago that Jin Young Ko boasted the most impressive statistics of any player in golf. There was a comparative slump in form, but there's no doubt that the two-time major winner is back to her imperious best following a recent success at the HSBC Women's World Championship.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

For those British fans watching on from home, there has been much to like about Georgia Hall's performances of late. The 27-year-old has been a runner-up twice on the LPGA Tour this season and has looked back to the resolute mindset that made her a major champion and stalwart in the Solheim Cup.

Major title number two could absolutely be on the cards this week for Hall.

The Course

Opened in 2021, Jack Nicklaus declared this creation to be among the finest designs of his career. It was named the “Best New Private Course in Texas” and “#3 Best New Private Course in the U.S.” by Golf Digest two decades ago, with its reputation growing since.

With plenty of trees and undulations to contend with, it's unquestionably a suitable major test, even though it will take some getting used to seeing this championship away from Mission Hills.

Form Guide

Looking back at recent winners on the LPGA Tour, both Brooke Henderson and Jin Young Ko have titles to their name during the early weeks of 2023 - and each of these ominous names will expect to contend at the Chevron. Lydia Ko is beyond due lifting another major trophy - but it's Georgia Hall who most catches the eye with her recent sequence of results and near-misses on the circuit.

Indeed, this is one championship that eluded Dame Laura Davies, so Hall has the chance to secure a first for England.

To Win:

Georgia Hall. Recent form has been hugely impressive and the Englishwoman is ready to win again.

Each Way: 

Nasa Hataoka. The Japanese star has regularly contended in the biggest events and has been solid of late.

Each Way:

Patty Tavatanakit. Former winner at Mission Hills is undeniably mercurial, but looked back to something like her powerful best a fortnight ago in Los Angeles.

Five Players to Follow

Hannah Green. Australian major champion who is capable of scoring low anywhere.

Stacy Lewis. The Solheim Cup captain will enjoy home comforts in Texas and is still playing fine golf.

Jodi Ewart Shadoff. The Yorkshire-born player finally claimed her breakthrough LPGA success last October. Why not go a step further?

Minjee Lee. It's been a struggle of late for the Aussie, but we all know how good she can be.

Ariya Jutanugarn. The two-time major champion has been generally absent from leaderboards, but the 27-year-old is still so capable.