Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 1:56 am GMT
With the excitement of the Solheim Cup still fresh in their minds, top female golfers are back in action at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G. This week, a stellar lineup takes to the TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, Ohio, ready to compete for a piece of the impressive $2 million prize purse and establish their dominance on the LPGA Tour.
A Star-Studded Field Returns to Competition
The tournament draws attention as some of the best golfers, including U.S. Solheim Cup champions like Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang, participate just days after their triumphant victory. Korda reflected on the incredible experience at the Solheim Cup, describing it as “unbelievable and crazy.” She added, “It was just overall so much fun…the victory at the end of the week was obviously sweeter, but it was also such an amazing week with the girls.”
In addition to the American champions, the field includes eight strong European competitors. Alongside Korda and Thompson, players like Linn Grant, Georgia Hall, and Leona Maguire will vie for the title. The mix of talent promises an exciting tournament ahead.
A New Venue for the Tournament
This year marks the first time TPC River’s Bend, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, hosts the tournament.
- The course measures 6,700 yards and is a par-72 layout.
- Kroger Queen City Championship is now in its third year, previously held at Kenwood Country Club.
- This venue has hosted prestigious events from the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, making it a significant addition to the LPGA schedule.
Tournament Director Emily Norell described this year’s competition as “the deepest and strongest it’s ever been,” adding to the excitement of this new venue.
Course Challenges and Strategies
As players navigate through TPC River’s Bend, they will encounter various challenges, particularly related to the greens and water hazards. Korda and Zhang both underscored the importance of precision, with Korda noting, “The greens are a little smaller, and understanding the yardages will be paramount for golfers looking to climb the leaderboard.”
Korda emphasized that the course demands careful placement of the ball, especially on the front nine, where undulating greens present added complications. Golfers will have to utilize their skills to manage these natural features effectively.
A Key Point: Water Hazards
Water hazards play a crucial role at TPC River’s Bend, impacting strategy and shot selection. With large swales and streams affecting nine holes, avoiding these hazards will be critical for a successful tournament.
- Water Hazards: Positioned strategically, these can lead to costly mistakes.
- Mental Approach: Players will need to remain focused and strategic to navigate the challenging layout.
- Aggressive Play: The par-5 18th hole offers potential birdies, but players must carefully judge their approach to avoid hazards.
Rose Zhang shared her thoughts on the hazards, remarking, “There are obviously a lot of hazards that you have to be cautious of. It makes for more creativity when you’re out there.”
Defending Champion and New Faces
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on defending champion Minjee Lee, who edged out Charley Hull in a playoff last year. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce.
This year’s event features four sponsor exemptions, highlighting emerging talent in the game. Players to keep an eye on include:
- Amari Avery
- Gianna Clemente
- Gabrielle Woods
- Yana Wilson
These young golfers bring fresh energy and skill, adding to the event’s competitive spirit.
Spectator Experience
Fans attending the Kroger Queen City Championship will enjoy a unique spectator experience thanks to the stadium-style design of TPC River’s Bend. With mounding and strategic elevations, spectators will have great views of the 9th and 18th holes, creating an engaging atmosphere throughout the tournament.
The tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments, especially if the outcome is as dramatic as last year’s playoff. The combined excitement of high-stakes golf and a beautiful backdrop makes this event one not to miss.
Conclusion
The LPGA is coming to TPC River’s Bend for the first time, and everyone is excited about the Kroger Queen City Championship! This tournament has a big prize and will feature not only famous players like Korda and Thompson but also new talents who want to show what they can do. Golf fans can look forward to an amazing week filled with incredible shots, smart plays, and the strong spirit of women’s golf.
