Maineville, Ohio − This week, a $2 million purse is on the line for some of the LPGA’s top golfers at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G.
Tournament Director Emily Norell describes this year’s field as the deepest and strongest yet as the event takes place at TPC River’s Bend in Maineville.
The 6,700-yard, par-72 Arnold Palmer-designed course opened in 2001 and has been home to various tours over the years. This week, the LPGA showcases top players like World No. 1 Nelly Korda and defending champion Minjee Lee.
Golfers Have to Focus on Yardages
Accuracy will be crucial at TPC River’s Bend, where precise yardages will be essential for golfers aiming to move up the leaderboard.
Kroger Queen City Championship: Field | Leaderboard | Photos
“The greens are a little smaller and have more undulation on the front nine,” said Korda, who is making her Cincinnati debut after a successful year on the LPGA Tour.
Mapping out landing areas on the green will be crucial due to the undulating surfaces. Golfers will need to pinpoint small targets and commit to their shots.
‘Birdie Chances Out There’ for Long Hitters
Korda mentioned noticing the dry summer in Cincinnati, with the course being watered extensively by the grounds crew. This will result in softer conditions in the mornings and firmer conditions in the afternoons.
Leading the LPGA Tour in statistical categories, Korda is excelling in shots off the tee, approach shots, and putts, gaining at least a half stroke per round on each this season.
Charley Hull, fourth in strokes gained off the tee, believes the course favors players who can hit long drives off the tee.
TPC River’s Bend Features a Lot of Water
While water on the course provides picturesque scenery, it poses challenges for golfers aiming to avoid costly mistakes.
Naturalized swales and streams come into play on nine holes, mostly on the front nine.
“It’s very pretty here, with lots of hazards to be cautious of,” said Zhang about the course.
Spectators Enjoy Fantastic Views on 9, 18
Last year’s championship came down to a playoff between Lee and Hull. If another exciting finish occurs this year, fans will have a great view of the 18th hole.
The stadium-style course offers wide fairways, mounding, and lower playing surfaces for spectators to view the action. A panoramic view from above the ninth and 18th holes provides an excellent vantage point for fans.
The par-5 18th hole offers players a chance to be aggressive and make a move on the leaderboard. Golfers will need to judge the risk versus reward on this hole, as missing the fairway could be costly in terms of strokes.
Christina Kim of the United States looks on during the first round of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G 2024 at TPC River’s Bend on September 19, 2024 in Maineville, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
