– This Thursday the Chevron Championship gets under way, the first women’s Major of the season. It debuts a venue at Memorial Park in Houston, a public golf course that opened in 1912 and has hosted the Texas Children’s Houston Open for several years
– One of the most important traditions associated with this tournament is the jump into the lake on the 18th hole, once known, when it was played at Mission Hills, California, as Poppie’s Pond. However, the 18th at Memorial Park does not have a lake. As an emergency solution an artificial pool has been installed next to the final green so the winner can carry out the ritual. In addition, as soon as this edition ends, the architect Tom Doak will lead a renovation of the course that will include a new lake at the 18th
– Whatever happens this week at the Chevron, it will already be an edition for the history books. At least as far as Spanish golf is concerned. Not for nothing are there five Spanish players participating and four of them making their debuts. It is a fabulous figure in historical terms and the clearest reflection that we are facing an extraordinary generation
– The first edition of the Chevron was held in 1972, although it did not attain Major status until 1983. Well, from then until the present edition only ten Spanish players had ever played this tournament. The club is super exclusive and it shows how remarkable it is that four make their debuts in the same year
– Making their debuts, in order of tee time, are Carla Tejedo, who has earned her place with her sensational performances in the LPGA events she has played this year, Paula Martín, invited as one of the world’s best amateurs, likewise Andrea Revuelta, who comes after finishing second at the ANWA and after winning the conference final with Paula with Standford, and Julia López, in her second year on the tour. Carla and Andrea are also making their Major debuts, whichever it may be
– Needless to say, never in history have four Spanish players debuted at the Chevron at the same time. The record stood at two in 2011 (María Hernández and Bea Recari) and 2013 (Carlota Ciganda and Camilla Hedberg). In addition, a Chevron with five Spanish players competing has only happened once, precisely in 2013. To Carlota and Camilla must be added Bea Recari, Belén Mozo and Azahara Muñoz
– Marta Figueras Dotti remains the Spanish player with the most appearances in Chevron history. Honours to the pioneer. She played continuously from the first Major in 1983 until 1999. Her figures were very good across those 17 appearances. She only missed five cuts and four of them occurred in her final appearances. She played every weekend from 1983 to 1993, inclusive. Her best result was a fifth place in 1988
– We’ll see if any Spanish player can surpass Figueras Dotti’s record of 17 appearances. The one best placed to do so is Carlota Ciganda, who this year will reach 14 appearances at the Chevron. The Navarrese holds the honour of the best finish by a Spanish player in this tournament. She was fourth on two occasions (2015 and 2019). She comes off two consecutive top-10s, although with the event being played on a new course that streak is not as valuable
– As it stands, Spanish golf has six top-10s at the Chevron: the aforementioned fifth place by Figueras Dotti, two fourth places, a sixth and a ninth by Carlota and a seventh place by Azahara in 2014
Here is the complete list of Spanish players who have played the Chevron throughout history, with the number of appearances, their debut year and their best result.
1.- Marta Figueras Dotti | 17 | 1983 | 5th (1988)
2.- Raquel Carriedo | 2 | 2002 | 42nd (2003)
3.- Ana Belén Sánchez | 1 | 2004 | CUT
4.- Azahara Muñoz | 12 | 2009 | 7th (2014)
5.- María Hernández | 3 | 2011 | 52nd (2011)
6.- Bea Recari | 9 | 2011 | 20th (2018)
7.- Belén Mozo | 3 | 2012 | 41st (2013)
8.- Carlota Ciganda | 13 | 2013 | 4th (2015 & 2019)
9.- Camilla Hedberg | 1 | 2013 | CUT
10.- Carla Bernat | 1 | 2025 | CUT
11.- Carla Tejedo | 2026
12.- Paula Martín | 2026
13.- Andrea Revuelta | 2026
14.- Julia López | 2026
