LPGA and Chevron to move ANA Inspiration from Coachella Valley after 2022

The ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage is now The Chevron Championship in a move that will see the Coachella Valley losing one of its signature events.

The LPGA and IMG announced Tuesday morning Chevron U.S.A. Inc. is the Rancho Mirage event's new title sponsor and team up with ANA for this winter's tournament at the Mission Hills Country Club. The Chevron Championship (formerly the ANA Inspiration) and historically the Dinah Shore has been inked for a six-year partnership. It will then be moved away from the only home it's ever known, likely to the Houston area after this spring's upcoming 2022 event set for March 31 - April 3.

As part of the new era, The Chevron Championship will relocate to a new home, according to the Tuesday statement. It will most likely be in the greater Houston area starting with the 2023 edition. The new host club will be confirmed in the coming months.

"Chevron is proud to become the title sponsor of this great championship, which brings together some of the most talented athletes in the world," said Michael Wirth, chairman and CEO of Chevron Corporation. "We look forward to partnering with the LPGA and IMG to further champion women in sports, the workplace and society."

"Chevron, the LPGA and IMG are dedicated to celebrating the important role the City of Rancho Mirage and the Club has played in the tournament's history with the 2022 event. They will also make sure to bring the many years of tradition and memories built at Mission Hills to the new venue," the statement said.

Marcoux Samaan added: "We do not make the move lightly.   Since David Foster and Dinah Shore created this competition in 1972, it has held a special place in the hearts of our players and fans around the world. No matter where it is held, Dinah and her influence, along with the history built at Mission Hills, will be an integral part of The Chevron Championship. We thank ANA and Mission Hills for their tremendous support and look forward to celebrating the many years of tradition as we continue to add to its footprint in the history of women's sports."

Lydia Ko, a Player Director on the LPGA Board of Directors and the 2016 Chevron Championship winner, said, "We have all made some lovely memories at Mission Hills over the years which we will enjoy celebrating in 2022 and take with us to The Chevron Championship's new home, where I know we will make many more."

As part of the sponsorship, Tuesday's statement said Chevron will increase the prize fund for the 2022 Championship by more than 60% to $5 million.

LPGA Commissioner, Mollie Marcoux Samaan commented, "We could not be more excited to announce our partnership with Chevron. Welcoming another leading global company to our portfolio of sponsors that believes in the power of the LPGA to inspire women leaders, to showcase human performance at the highest level, and to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in all facets of life, is truly game-changing for us," "We are so grateful for Chevron's extraordinary commitment to the LPGA and to the overall player experience and look forward to a long and successful relationship," Marcoux Samaan continued.

Moving the date later in the spring also allowed the LPGA to secure a long-term commitment from NBC Sports to air the Championship on network TV. Further, moving to a major area like Houston will foster tremendous fan engagement, participation and excitement within the community and among Chevron employees.

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