


In professional golf, there are no greater triumphs than winning a major. While four men's tournaments enjoy this status, the world's best female players compete for glory, honor and record-breaking prize money at five major championships each year.
2026 promises to be a historic season, with venues such as the legendary Riviera Country Club and the 50th anniversary of the Women's Open at Royal Lytham. Here's the full rundown of the 'big five' in women's golf.
The Chevron Championship traditionally marks the emotional start of the major season. In 2026, the tournament opens a new chapter and moves to the Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. This historic public course ("Muni") was renovated by Tom Doak and demands everything from the players with its complex green layouts. The tournament is world-famous for the "Leap of Faith" - the winning jump into the water on the 18th green. After Mao Saigo triumphed in 2025, it is eagerly awaited in 2026 how the organizers will stage this Traditions in the new setting of Houston.
Find out more about the Chevron Championship here.
| Category | The Chevron Championship |
|---|---|
| Date 2026 | 23. - April 26, 2026 |
| Venue | Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas (USA) |
| Prize money | approx. $8.00 million |
| Defending champion | Mao Saigo (JPN) |

The U.S. Women's Open is considered the "open championship" of the USA and is known for its extremely difficult course setup. in 2026, the event returns to the Riviera Country Club - one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. With record prize money of 12 million US dollars, it is the most lucrative major. The players have to prove themselves on the course known as "Hogan's Alley" against deep Rough and greens as fast as an arrow. Defending champion Maja Stark will do everything in her power to defend her title against the concentrated US power of Nelly Korda.
Find out more about the U.S. Women's Open here.
| Category | U.S. Women's Open |
|---|---|
| Date 2026 | 04. - June 07, 2026 |
| Venue | The Riviera Country Club, California (USA) |
| Prize money | $12.00 million |
| Defending champion | Maja Stark (SWE) |

Just three weeks after the U.S. Open comes the next powerhouse: the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. in 2026, the tournament will take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club, a course that has hosted Ryder Cups and men's majors. The layout is long and punishes inaccuracies off the Tee mercilessly. Minjee Lee, who won in a heart-stopping final in 2025, loves such challenges. The 16th hole on the lake in particular will decide victory or defeat on the leaderboard on the final Sunday.
Find out more about the KPMG Women's PGA Championship here.
| Category | KPMG Women's PGA Championship |
|---|---|
| Date 2026 | 25. - June 28, 2026 |
| Venue | Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota (USA) |
| Prize money | $12.00 million |
| Defending champion | Minjee Lee (AUS) |

The Tour travels to Europe in July for the Amundi Evian Championship. In the French Alps, above Lake Geneva, the Evian Resort Golf Club offers probably the most picturesque backdrop of the year. But don't be fooled: The steep slopes require an excellent feel for the ball. in 2025, Grace Kim prevailed in a dramatic play-off against Jeeno Thitikul. The tournament has established itself as the "major of premiere winners" and is firmly in European hands.
Find out more about the Amundi Evian Championship here.
| Category | Amundi Evian Championship |
|---|---|
| Date 2026 | 09. - July 12, 2026 |
| Venue | Evian Resort Golf Club, Evian-les-Bains (FRA) |
| Prize money | $8.00 million |
| Defending champion | Grace Kim (AUS) |

The final of the major season will take place at a "sanctuary" of golf in 2026: Royal Lytham & St Annes. This is where the AIG Women's Open celebrates its 50th anniversary. Links golf in its purest form - with deep pot bunkers and unpredictable wind - awaits the players. It is the place where Georgia Hall celebrated her emotional home victory in 2018. the Japanese player Miyu Yamashita triumphed in 2025. Whoever wins at Royal Lytham will go down in the history books alongside legends like Annika Sörenstam.
Find out more about the AIG Women's Open here.
| Category | AIG Women's Open |
|---|---|
| Date 2026 | 30. July - August 02, 2026 |
| Venue | Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancashire (ENG) |
| Prize money | $9.75 million |
| Defending champion | Miyu Yamashita (JPN) |

In contrast to the men, who have played four majors since 1934, the number of women's majors has changed over the decades. The Amundi Evian Championship was officially named the fifth major in 2013 to reinforce the global importance of women's golf and the European market in particular. The five tournaments now form the "Grand Slam" cycle of the LPGA Tour.
16 Mar 2026
Winning one of the five women's majors in golf is definitely a good reason for a champagne shower. (Photo: Imago / NurPhoto)