The 2026 Dow Championship takes place on the LPGA Tour from June 11-14 with the official team event returning to Midland Country Club in Michigan.
The 72‑hole tournament features 72 two‑woman teams and alternates between foursomes (alternate shot) in rounds one and three and fourballs (better ball) in rounds two and four.
There is a 36‑hole cut to the low 33 teams and ties for the only team event of the 2026 LPGA season, which was won by Jin Hee Im and Somi Lee in 2025.
Because this format demands both chemistry and adaptability, teams that combine reliable alternate‑shot control with genuine fourball firepower tend to separate themselves over the weekend.
Current Dow Championship 2026 Betting Odds
| Team | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Kim/Choi | 5.75 (23/4) |
| Lee/Im | 7.50 (15/2) |
| Korda/Cowan | 8.50 (17/2) |
| Hataoka/Ko | 9.50 (19/2) |
| Kim/Yoon | 12.00 (12/1) |
| C. Iwai/A. Iwai | 15.00 (15/1) |
Leading Dow Championship Contenders
Hyo Joo Kim & Hye Jin Choi
Hyo Joo Kim and Hye Jin Choi head the market as a team that looks exceptionally well built for both formats used at Midland Country Club.
Kim brings world‑class control and major pedigree, while Choi adds one of the steadiest tee‑to‑green games on the LPGA, making them an obvious favourite in alternate shot where mistakes are heavily punished.
They also have enough quality with irons and putter to produce low numbers in fourball, which is why bookmakers have installed them at the top of the outright board.
If they gel quickly and avoid the loose holes that can derail even elite pairings, they have every chance of justifying favouritism.
Somi Lee & Jin Hee Im
Defending champions Somi Lee and Jin Hee Im return as one of the strongest and most proven pairings in the field, and the market has them firmly among the front‑rank contenders.
That is no surprise given they have already shown they can handle this exact format, which removes some of the uncertainty that surrounds newer partnerships.
Their balance as a duo is a major asset, particularly in a week where rhythm and trust between partners can matter almost as much as pure form.
They look a very logical threat to go deep again.
Nelly Korda & OIivia Cowan
Nelly Korda teams up with Olivia Cowan in one of the most eye‑catching partnerships of the week, and the world No.1’s return to the Dow Championship has naturally attracted major interest.
Golf Channel notes that Korda and Cowan’s team is nicknamed “Legally Blonde”, adding a little extra personality to one of the headline pairings in Michigan.
Korda’s class gives this team a very high ceiling following her US Women’s Open title last week, while Cowan brings plenty of international experience and a game that can complement in a team setup.
If they click early in alternate shot and let Korda’s firepower shine in fourball, they could easily outperform even this short price.
Nasa Hataoka & Jin Young Ko
Nasa Hataoka and Jin Young Ko form another elite duo and look one of the best combinations of precision, calmness and high‑end pedigree in the field.
Both players are known for their control from tee to green, which should make them especially dangerous in foursomes where accuracy and clean ball‑striking are at a premium.
Their experience in big events also gives them a strong chance of staying composed if the tournament comes down to small margins on Sunday.
They look like one of the most balanced teams in the entire market.
A Lim Kim & Ina Yoon
A Lim Kim and Ina Yoon sit just behind the top four in the betting and make for a pairing with plenty of upside in this format.
Kim brings aggressive scoring potential, while Yoon’s steadier profile could help create a solid blend across the different demands of alternate shot and fourball.
They are priced as genuine contenders rather than outsiders, and it is easy to see the appeal if they start quickly.
A hot fourball round could be enough to launch them firmly into the title race.
Chisato Iwai & Akie Iwai
Chizzy Iwai and Akie Iwai complete the leading group of favourites and bring an obvious natural chemistry as sisters into the LPGA’s only official team event.
That familiarity could be especially valuable in alternate shot, where instinctive decision‑making and comfort with each other’s games can make a meaningful difference.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.
