The Chevron Championship, a major event in women's professional golf, is maintaining its iconic tradition of the champion's leap, despite moving to a new venue at Memorial Park in Houston. To facilitate this cherished custom, a temporary plunge pool has been specially constructed near the 18th green. This commitment to tradition, which originated almost four decades ago with Amy Alcott's impromptu dive, underscores the event's rich history and the desire of both organizers and players to keep this unique celebration alive, even as the tournament evolves and finds new homes.
The tradition of the champion's leap, a spontaneous act initiated by Amy Alcott at Mission Hills Country Club, has become a hallmark of the tournament. With the relocation of the Chevron Championship, there were concerns about the continuation of this beloved ritual, especially given the lack of natural water features on the finishing hole at Memorial Park. However, organizers have invested approximately $60,000 to install a temporary 15-foot by 10-foot plunge pool, ensuring that the triumphant dip will proceed, provided the winner embraces the opportunity.
Glenn Weckerlin, the Executive Director, humorously remarked on the decision, highlighting the importance of the tradition to the event's identity. He drew parallels to other iconic sports traditions, emphasizing that the "bathrobe" associated with the leap is as integral to the Chevron Championship as the Green Jacket is to Augusta. This commitment is further reinforced by plans for a larger, permanent water feature to be incorporated into a redesigned 18th hole in 2027, with architect Tom Doak leading the renovation.
The installation of the temporary pool commenced shortly after the Texas Children's Houston Open concluded in late March, showcasing the swift efforts to prepare for the women's major. While fans will have access to the surrounding deck, only the champion will be permitted to enter the pool. It is anticipated that the nature of the plunge might shift from a vigorous jump to a more gentle wade-in, a precedent set by past champions like Pat Hurst. The LPGA's informal survey of players revealed a strong preference for preserving the tradition, further solidifying the decision to invest in the new facility.
The Chevron Championship has seen several changes in recent years. After a controversial move from Mission Hills in California to The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas in 2023, the event has now settled at Memorial Park. This city-owned course, highly regarded among public access courses in Texas, has a rich history of hosting significant golf tournaments, including the Houston Open. The course has undergone substantial upgrades, including a $34 million renovation funded by the Astros Golf Foundation and a redesign by Tom Doak, making it a fitting venue for this prestigious major.
This year's tournament promises an exciting competition, with the world's top five players, all recent winners, gracing the field. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and past champion Nelly Korda, currently No. 2, are among the prominent contenders. Korda's runner-up finishes in three consecutive LPGA events following a six-week break highlight her formidable form, while Australia's Hannah Green arrives fresh off her fourth worldwide victory of 2026 at the JM Eagle LA Championship. The event also welcomes back 10 former Chevron champions, including newlywed Lexi Thompson and Stacy Lewis, who is making a special appearance before the birth of her second child.
The stage is now set for a new chapter in this historic tournament, which was elevated to major status after five years of its inception in 1972. With significant course adjustments, including changes to the rough length and the par of certain holes, the Chevron Championship at Memorial Park offers a challenging and engaging experience for both players and spectators. The culmination of the event, marked by the champion's plunge into the newly installed pool, will undoubtedly add another memorable moment to the tournament's storied legacy.
