THE CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP EMBARKS ON NEW ERA AT THE CLUB AT CARLTON WOODS
June 7, 2022
The Chevron Championship has entered a new chapter in Houston. Chevron, the LPGA and IMG are excited to announce today that the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods has been selected as the new home to the major championship, which will be held April 20-23, 2023.
Al Williams, Vice President Corporate Affairs at Chevron, stated, “Bringing The Chevron Championship to Houston will allow us to showcase our valued partnerships, promote programs in STEM education, and help advance women’s excellence. We look forward to working with the community, our employees, and partners to help create meaningful experiences, both on and off the course.”
Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA Commissioner, said, “I am so thankful to our partners at Chevron, The Club at Carlton Woods and IMG for their dedication to presenting our LPGA Tour players with a world-class competition as the kick-off to our major season. In moving the championship to Houston, it was critical that we find a venue worthy of this historic championship and we could not be more excited about our partnership with Carlton Woods. Chevron’s commitment to providing our players with a golf course and an overall environment representative of their world-class talent has been evident from day one. Their dedication to the women’s game and to empowering our players to reach their peak potential is evident in the resources they are putting behind this championship.”
Carlton Woods was selected as the new home of the championship, following an exhaustive process, with every aspect of the player and spectator experience in mind. With its award-winning Championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus, accompanying world-class facilities and enthusiastic leadership team, Carlton Woods will serve as an ideal new host venue for the next chapter of the LPGA’s first major of the season.
Al Williams of Chevron continued: “Partnership is foundational to everything we do at Chevron. We are excited to embark on this journey with the LPGA, IMG, and our new partners at Carlton Woods to take this prestigious Championship forward into a new, exciting era for women’s golf.”
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Carlton Woods opened in 2001. The generous tee grounds and landing areas wind among lakes and parklands, and the greens feature an intriguing design of undulation and bunkering. Following its opening, the Nicklaus course was named the “Best New Private Course in Texas” and “#3 Best New Private Course in the U.S.” by Golf Digest. It has already hosted many notable events, including the 2014 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and numerous USGA qualifiers.
The Club at Carlton Woods has a flourishing junior membership that is split 50/50 between male and female. “We are so proud to have been selected to host The Chevron Championship. For the past seven years, we have focused on providing an environment for our female and family membership to flourish, and hosting an LPGA Major aligns perfectly with this ambition. Chevron’s focus on diversity and inclusion and junior girls golf matches our aspirations absolutely, and we feel that together, we will be able to make further strides on this important mission,” said Steve Salzman, COO of The Club at Carlton Woods.
In its inaugural year as title sponsor in 2022 in Rancho Mirage, California, Chevron donated more than $2 million to diversity and inclusion non-profit partners. Now in Houston, Chevron will look to deliver a full program of community-led activations that underline their commitment to advancing opportunities for girls and women.
Ed McEnroe, SVP Golf Events at IMG added: “The Chevron effect is certainly being felt across all aspects of The Championship as Chevron seeks to improve this major championship at every level. While the wider Houston area provides an opportunity for Chevron to further grow their outstanding impact programs, operationally, the infrastructure and the facilities, as well as the world-class Championship course were huge factors for us in selecting The Club at Carlton Woods. It is obviously a big move for The Championship, and it was important to us that every aspect of the player and spectator experience would be enhanced by the move to a new venue. We feel confident that Carlton Woods has everything needed on site for us to stage a major of the highest calibre, along with a team and membership whose incredible passion and energy will help us further build the legacy of the event.”
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. Among many other important player enhancements, Chevron increased the tournament’s purse over 60% to $5 Million in 2021.
The 51st edition of The Chevron Championship was won by American Jennifer Kupcho.
About Chevron
Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and seeking to grow lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.
About The Club at Carlton Woods
Recognized as one of the finest clubs in the country by Platinum 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. More at carltonwoods.com
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.
Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone.
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.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.
Media Contacts:
IMG: Michele Mair: Michele.mair@img.com
LPGA: Christina Lance: christina.lance@lpga.com
Chevron: Ray Fohr: raymondfohr@chevron.com