The stage is set for one of the LPGA Tour's premier events as the 2026 Aramco Championship field has been finalized following Friday's entry deadline. Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada, will host this prestigious tournament from April 2-5, featuring a star-studded lineup that represents the very best in women's professional golf.
World number one Jeeno Thitikul leads an exceptional field that includes former world number one Nelly Korda, England's rising star Charley Hull, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko. The tournament marks a significant return to Las Vegas for the LPGA Tour, with the event being played in its originally intended slot on the 2026 schedule.
The 120-player field represents remarkable strength in depth, with 45 of the top 50 players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Ranking set to compete for the $4 million purse. This co-sanctioned event with the Ladies European Tour has established itself as one of the biggest tournaments of the season, attracting elite talent from around the globe.
Among the notable names in the field, defending champions and major winners create a compelling storyline. Hyo Joo Kim, fresh off her victory at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass where she finished at 28-under par, enters with tremendous momentum. The South Korean star sits fourth in the world rankings and has established herself as one of the tour's most consistent performers.
Minjee Lee, the fifth-ranked player in the world, brings her aggressive style and major championship pedigree to Shadow Creek. The Australian has been a consistent threat in big events and will be looking to add another significant title to her impressive resume.
The international flavor of the field is particularly striking, with Japanese stars Nasa Hataoka, Rio Takeda, and the Iwai sisters Akie and Chizzy representing the strength of Asian golf. Miyu Yamashita, ranked sixth globally, has emerged as one of the tour's most exciting young talents and will be eager to make her mark in Las Vegas.
European representation is equally strong, with Sweden's Linn Grant and Spain's Carlota Ciganda among the contenders. Grant's length off the tee and creative short game make her particularly well-suited to Shadow Creek's challenging layout, while Ciganda's experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable.
The American contingent features several players capable of capturing their home crowd's imagination. Angel Yin and Andrea Lee represent the new generation of American talent, while veterans like Jennifer Kupcho and Lauren Coughlin bring experience and proven ability to perform on the biggest stages.
Several players will be making their debuts at Shadow Creek, including some of the tour's rising stars. The venue's reputation for demanding precision and rewarding strategic thinking should create an fascinating test for the world's best female golfers.
Alternate list positioning could become crucial as the week progresses, with Jiwon Jeon and Caley McGinty holding the top two spots. Additional spots remain available through Monday qualifying, providing opportunities for players to earn their way into this prestigious field.
The timing of this event on the 2026 LPGA Tour schedule positions it as a key momentum-builder heading into the season's major championships. With such a strong field assembled, the tournament promises to deliver exceptional competition and potentially shift the early season narrative.
Shadow Creek's challenging layout, combined with the significant purse and world ranking points on offer, ensures that every shot will carry weight. The course's strategic demands and pristine conditioning have historically produced compelling golf, and this year's field suggests another memorable championship is in store.
As the tournament approaches, attention will focus on current form and course history. The strength of the field means that margin for error will be minimal, and players will need to bring their absolute best to contend for the title and substantial prize money on offer in the Nevada desert.