Today, Chevron launched the new era of The Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, at a partners and media day hosted by Golf Channel commentator and 2007 Champion Morgan Pressel. As the first LPGA major of the year, in partnership with Visit The Woodlands and The Woodlands Township, The Chevron Championship will take place at The Club at Carlton Woods, April 20-23, 2023, with the later date ensuring network coverage for the first time.
Chevron is committed to attracting the world’s best golfers to compete on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course for one of five LPGA Majors in 2023 and is dedicated to making The Chevron Championship an unparalleled event.
Al Williams, Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Chevron, commented:
“Chevron is excited and proud to be the title sponsor of The Chevron Championship, hosting the event in the Houston area where we have been part of the community for more than 100 years. The Chevron Championship complements and expands the work we do every day to advance women's excellence, STEM, and community organizations.”
“Together with the LPGA, The Chevron Championship provides the ultimate stage for the most skilled and successful golfers in the world. We believe the combination of the best golfers in the world along with the human energy of our employees, community members, and partners will elevate women's golf and create greater access and opportunity.”
Inspiring women to achieve their full potential is a commitment Chevon shares with the LPGA. This event features some of the world’s most talented athletes and demonstrates the power of women performing at their peak.
Chevron has introduced a new $5,000 stipend for all players who miss the cut, with the goal of creating greater access by reducing the financial barrier to participation. To build upon the first-year impact of over $2 million in donations to non-profit organizations, Chevron will continue to extend and shine a light on foundations and community programs that advance women's excellence and STEM.
In addition, Chevron has worked with the LPGA to revise the eligibility criteria for the Championship. With these changes, Chevron aims to help create greater access to the professional game by providing an opportunity for amateurs from diverse backgrounds to gain valuable experience competing with the world’s best players. They include playing opportunities for the winners of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, Women’s British Amateur Championship, Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, Women’s Latin America Amateur Championship, Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Chevron Silverado Showdown.
In attendance at Carlton Woods today was LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who explained to a packed house:
“In Chevron, we have a valued partner absolutely dedicated to the women’s game and to empowering our players to reach their peak potential. We are appreciative of all they are investing into our season-opening Major to ensure that our players kick off the Major season in an environment representative of their world-class talent. The additions they have already brought to The Chevron Championship, such as the new stipend, women’s and LPGA Foundation programming and innovative qualification criteria, are set to make a marked difference. I am delighted to come here today and see the outstanding facilities of The Club at Carlton Woods and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in The Woodlands, where we look forward to watching the drama unfold in April.”
Morgan Pressel, herself a beneficiary of a coveted amateur invite in 2005, and shortly thereafter the 2007 Champion, said:
“From the network coverage on NBC, the introduction of the player advisory board, the new stipend, the off-course programming to the revised eligibility, the improvements that Chevron are driving have created a lot of buzz amongst the players looking to add their names to the list of champions of this historic event. Being here at Carlton Woods today certainly makes me very excited for the future, and I know Chevron is committed to honoring the past while continuing to push the envelope on the future of this championship.”
The Club at Carlton Woods has a flourishing junior golf program for both male and female golfers, with many joining the partners and media on site today for a special LPGA Foundation clinic along with juniors from both Girls Golf and the First Tee programs, hosted by Morgan Pressel.
Steve Salzman, COO of The Club at Carlton Woods commented:
“We are delighted to welcome everyone here today to kick-off preparations to host our first Major next April. The reaction from our members and community to the news that we were selected as the new home of The Chevron Championship has been one of unbridled enthusiasm. Everyone is looking forward to having the chance to be a part of such an important global event. Observing the reaction of the juniors taking part in the LPGA Foundation clinic alongside Morgan this afternoon really brings home just how inspiring and beneficial this event will be to the next generation of golfers in our community.”
Ed McEnroe, SVP Golf Events at IMG, added:
“The approaches we have had in the last couple of months from businesses in the area keen to get involved in The Chevron Championship underlines exactly how ready this community is to embrace a major championship. It is that energy along with the vision and commitment of Chevron and the LPGA, that will help us take this Championship to a new level of excellence for everyone involved.”
Last year, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. was announced as the new title sponsor of The Chevron Championship (formerly the ANA Inspiration) through a six-year relationship with the LPGA.
The 51st edition of The Chevron Championship was won by American Jennifer Kupcho.
About The Club at Carlton Woods
Recognized as one of the finest clubs in the country by Platinum Clubs of America and Distinguished Clubs of America, The Club at Carlton Woods completely redefined the essence of lifestyle, where camaraderie flourishes and a culture committed to excellence proves that anything is possible! Member-owned since 2015, Carlton Woods continues to invest in its amenities and services, ensuring that its members and their guests have an exceptional experience every time they visit. From two nationally ranked golf courses to spa offerings, fine dining, and unparalleled family events, The Club at Carlton Woods continues to prove itself as the premier country club destination in the Houston area. The Club at Carlton Woods has a world-class course and best-in-class off-course facilities This along with their visionary leadership team combine to make it the perfect new stage for the next chapter of the LPGA’s first Major of the season.
About The Woodlands
Located just 30 minutes north of Houston, Texas and minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands is home to approximately 120,000 residents and 2,000 businesses. Residents and visitors enjoy more than 11 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment options along with 220+ miles of trails, 150 parks, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Waterway, the George Mitchell Nature Preserve and much more. The Woodlands is home to more than 2,200 hotel rooms in 14 properties. Learn more at www.visitthewoodlands.com and www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
About Visit The Woodlands
The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (dba: Visit The Woodlands) is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting The Woodlands to drive demand for both hotel and retail tax collections. Our mission is to establish The Woodlands, Texas as a beautiful, lively, and welcoming destination recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for first-class business, convention and leisure travel.
About the LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive. Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Epson Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries. Follow the LPGA on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel, online at www.LPGA.com and on its mobile apps. Join the social conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
From left, Al Williams, Chevron Vice President of Corporate Affairs; Nick Wolda, President, Visit The Woodlands; Gordy Bunch, Chairman, The Woodlands Township; Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA Commissioner; Morgan Pressel, Past Chairman and Golf Talent; Steve Salzman, The Club at Carlton Woodlands General Manager and Chief Operating Officer; and Gil Staley, Chief Executive Officer, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.
