Mud balls a hot topic at soggy Chevron Championship

Hannah Green of Australia watches her putt on the third green during the first round of The Chevron Championship 2026 at Memorial Park Golf Course on April 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Last week's winner, Hannah Green, said she had dirt on the ball every time she hit a fairway on Thursday, though she noted it wasn't as bad as what players faced at the 2020 U.S. Women's Open in Houston. Green felt those playing in the afternoon might actually have it worse without the morning dew to help wipe it clean.

"I feel like we need to have our ruling go to a card length instead a club length," said Green, "because I feel like the reason why we never play it up is because we actually are somewhat changing the angle of the shot. With a scorecard length, you can't. Maybe one day that rule will change and help us out a little bit."

Earlier this season, the PGA Tour changed its relief area for preferred lies from a club length to a scorecard length.

The LPGA released the following statement on the topic:

"Our intent is to play the ball down when conditions support it, and we believe they do. Our Rules team monitored the course throughout the week; worked closely with Superintendent Parker Henry, who has done a tremendous job with the course conditions; took in direct feedback from players and caddies; and made the determination that the course is playable as intended."

Meanwhile, South Korea's Ina Yoon was cruising along at 4 under when she hit a spectacularly poor tee shot on the par-3 seventh hole that found the hazard and ultimately led to double.

"I'm not sure I've ever seen a shot like that on the LPGA," said Golf Channel announcer Tom Abbott on air.

After the round, Yoon explained that she had mud on her shoes and slipped mid-swing, causing her to hit a wildly fat shot. She closed with a 70 to trail leaders Patty Tavatanakit and Somi Lee by three shots.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: LPGA players battle mud balls at Chevron Championship