The Chevron Leaderboard is Missing Some Big Names, Who Will Rise to the Occasion?

With fresh talent in the mix, it'll be interesting to see how things pan out on a championship Sunday at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. For these players, they've likely never dealt with the nerves or feelings that come along with being in contention like this. Add a winning prize payout of $1.2 million into the equation, and we're in for a real down-to-the-wire treat.

Though excitement is bubbling, we'd be remiss to say that it is a touch disappointing to see a lack of more recognizable, household names. World No.1 Nelly Korda's Chevron Championship title defense was a major storyline heading into the week, but after she stumbled early on Thursday and was forced to fight her way to a cut-line finish on Friday—it's a bit deflating to know that even with a good fight, it won't be enough to see her make a late charge.

Not for a lack of trying though. Friday's grind continued on moving day, with several early birdies for the 26 year old.

But back-to-back double bogeys on her third and fourth holes (she went off the 10th for her front nine) were momentum killers. She sits at ever par for the tournament, nine shots off the lead.

Jeeno Thitikul was another player who snuck into the weekend, but she too has suffered from a lackluster performance, posting rounds of 71, 75, 71. We'll have to wait a bit longer for the talented world. No. 2 to finally claim her first major.

Lydia Ko, like Korda and Thitikul made the cut but is just too far back to make noise (she's +4 for the tournament) . Other big names like Charley Hull, heck even amateurs Lottie Woad and Asterisk Talley all failed to make the cut.

And we know, it's not as if these players chose to not be in the hunt, but we can all agree it's more exciting when the world's best are at their best.

On the flip side, there are a few recognizable names that could rally back and clinch the title. Vets like Lexi Thompson and Ariya Jutanugarn are closing in on leaders Haeran Ryu and Mao Saigo.

Thompson, who announced that she'd be retiring at the end of last season is making her fourth start of 2025 and has found herself in the thick of it. She fired an opening 5-under round of 67, and has stayed steady with the rest of the leaders, sitting just three shots behind heading into the final round.

“It’s not like I’m just going out here to show face,” Thompson said after Thursday's round. “I’m still very competitive, and, yeah, but just trying to enjoy the few times I will play.”

To us, that sounds like Thompson is here to play ball—and we're here for it.

It's been 11 years since Thompson's first and only major win. And it'd be the very best kind of chaotic good to see a semi-retired, and clear fan-favorite get her glory.

When Thompson made her retirement announcement at the U.S. Women's Open last summer, she delivered a tearful press conference. The town of Lancaster even dubbed that Friday "Lexi Thompson Day", where sadly Thompson didn't make the cut.

And then there was the CME Group Tour Championship in November, where some folks were a little upset at Thompson being made to finish on the 9th hole instead of in front of the big crowd on 18 at her final tournament as a full-time player.

Perhaps Thompson will get her storybook ending this Sunday, with a true walk down the 72nd hole on a major Sunday.

Jutanugarn and other vets and previous tour winners Ruoning Yin and Carlota Ciganda are also well in reach, sitting at 6-under like Thompson.

When you have experienced vets on the heels of the unexperienced, without the pressure of playing in the final group—chances tend to lean towards the ones who have gotten the job done before.

But we know better. If the Masters have taught us anything...it's that it's not a major until the back nine and it's anyone's ball game. Championship golf is earned, so who will rise to the occasion?

Right now, all eyes are on leaders Haeran Ryu and Mao Saigo who are tied at 9-under, and American golfer Lindy Duncan who sits one shot back at 8-under.

Ryu is a former rookie of the year winner and a two-time LPGA winner. Saigo and Duncan are both still in search of their maiden wins.

Duncan is a definite story to watch. The former Duke standout recorded six collegiate wins, was a four-time first team All-American, and was named the 2012 NGCA Player of the Year.

After having such a decorated career in college, no one, especially Duncan, expected that she'd be on her 10th season on the tour without a win.

Ryan French of Monday Q Info outlined it perfectly. Duncan is a grinder. A win from her would be another storybook kind of finish. Years of throwing herself into this game to finally be rewarded.

Grab your popcorn, folks. We're in for a can't-miss Sunday.