The first major event of the LPGA season is finally here, and it’s bringing plenty of excitement. The Chevron Championship is set to take place this weekend in The Woodlands, Texas, as the top female golfers from around the world prepare to battle it out for the prestigious title. The competition will be held at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, which promises to challenge the players with its complexity, making for an exciting and dramatic tournament.
One of the main storylines is Nelly Korda’s attempt to defend her title. Though not currently in the dominant form she displayed last season, Korda is eager to jumpstart her campaign with a win in Texas, which would mark her third major championship. However, the path to victory won’t be easy, as contenders like World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul are still chasing their first major and are expected to put up strong competition.
For those planning to attend the event at the Club at Carlton Woods, it’s essential to be prepared for some unpredictable weather over the first two days of play.
Day 1 Forecast (Thursday):
The opening round is expected to be a difficult one due to adverse weather conditions. There’s an 88% chance of rain, with nearly two hours of precipitation anticipated, along with a 53% chance of thunderstorms. These conditions may force schedule changes such as postponements or early tee times. Spectators should be prepared for interruptions.
Aside from the rain, the weather will be quite dynamic. Cloud cover is expected to reach 70%, but during breaks in the clouds, the sun will be intense with a high UV index of 8. The temperature is forecasted to climb to 28°C (82.4°F) during the afternoon. Strong winds are also expected, with gusts reaching up to 41 km/h (25.4 mph), adding to the difficulty for the players on this already challenging course.
Day 2 Forecast (Friday):
Unfortunately, Friday doesn’t bring much relief. While the probability of rain decreases slightly to 70%, thunderstorms still pose a 42% risk. If rain does fall, it’s expected to last longer than on Thursday. Winds will continue to blow strongly at around 39 km/h (24.2 mph).
Cloud cover will increase to 75%, and on clearer moments, the sun will again bring a UV index of 8. The temperature is expected to rise a bit higher to 29°C (84.2°F). Overall, Friday could be even more intense than Thursday in terms of weather challenges.
Given the forecast, fans attending the tournament should bring rain gear and be mindful of potential delays. Thunderstorms, in particular, could cause interruptions or temporary suspensions in play. Organizers will need to stay alert to ensure safety and maintain the schedule as best as possible.
Weather-related delays are not new to this championship. In the previous year, Round 3 was heavily impacted by storms, forcing the remaining play to be postponed until Sunday.
As the Chevron Championship gets underway amid stormy conditions, all eyes will be on Nelly Korda to see if she can overcome the elements and her competition to make a strong statement with another major win.