The Chevron Championship, the first major of the women's golf season, is heating up as players battle for the top spot at the Carlton Woods Club in Woodlands, Texas. On April 26, 2025, the excitement escalated as Nishi Mura and Yu Hae-ran both marked impressive scores, tying for first place at nine under par.
In the third round, Mura, just 23 years old and in her second year on tour, showcased her skills with a solid performance of four birdies and one bogey, finishing the round with a score of 69. This brought her total to 207, placing her alongside her rival Yu, who also sits at nine under par. Mura's round included two remarkable chip-in birdies, demonstrating her ability to capitalize on challenging situations. "Today, the wind was the strongest it has been over the last three days. It wasn't easy to get close to the pin positions, and the day was really tough overall," Mura remarked, reflecting on her performance.
As Mura aims for her first victory on the tour, she is also on the brink of making history by becoming the fifth Japanese woman to win a major title, achieving a feat that would complete her collection of all five major championships. "If I can win this tournament, it would be an incredible achievement for me and for Japanese women’s golf as a whole," she expressed with a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, Yu Hae-ran, 24, who was the Tour Rookie of the Year in 2023, is no stranger to competitive play. Having faced Mura in previous tournaments, including a close match at the T-Mobile Match Play earlier this month, she remains focused on her game. "No matter where I am positioned, my approach doesn’t change. I want to stay concentrated and give it my all," Yu stated, emphasizing her determination as they head into the final day.
The competition remains fierce, with the top ten players all within three strokes of each other, promising an exciting finish. Among the other contenders, Takemoto Reo found herself in 24th place, while Shibuno Hinako was in 31st, both looking to make a move on the leaderboard.
The Chevron Championship has been marked by its unpredictable conditions. The second round was suspended due to darkness, leading to a long day for players as they resumed play early on the 26th. Mura's resilience shone through as she navigated the course, maintaining a fairway keep rate of 100% and a par-on rate of approximately 78%, with only 29 putts throughout her round.
The weather had improved significantly compared to the previous days, providing a sunny backdrop that contrasted sharply with the challenging conditions faced earlier in the tournament. Mura's ability to reset her mindset and focus on each shot proved crucial in her success. "It was a physically demanding day, but maintaining my concentration throughout the 18 holes was beneficial," she explained.
As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on the leaders. With Mura and Yu tied at the top, the stakes are high. A victory for Mura would not only mark her first tour win but also a significant milestone in the history of Japanese women's golf, showcasing the emergence of a new generation of talent.
In the meantime, Nishimura Yuka, who completed the suspended second round with a birdie to finish at 64th place, made a commendable leap to 45th after scoring a 72 in the third round, with two birdies and two bogeys. "I'm really happy to be competing in the final rounds after struggling with previous cuts," she shared, highlighting her determination to improve.
The Chevron Championship is being broadcasted on WOWOW, which is covering 29 LPGA golf tour events this season, including three major tournaments. Fans can expect to see exclusive coverage of Japanese players, enhancing the viewing experience for those supporting their homegrown athletes.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement is palpable. The final day promises to deliver thrilling moments, with Mura and Yu leading the charge. Will Mura secure her first title and make history, or will Yu claim victory in this fierce battle? As the sun rises on the final day of the Chevron Championship, the answer is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly anticipating what unfolds next.
