Cincinnati, Ohio – September 11–14, 2025 — The Kroger Queen City Championship may be a relative newcomer on the LPGA calendar, but in just three years it has earned a reputation as one of the Tour’s must-watch stops. This week, it begins a bold new chapter by shifting to TPC River’s Bend, an Arnold Palmer creation that has tested legends of the men’s game and now welcomes the best women in the world.
The storylines are abundant: a defending champion at the peak of her career, the world’s No. 1 looking to stamp her dominance, and a course ready to play equal parts host and villain. Cincinnati has seen its share of drama — expect more this week.
The Course: A River That Doesn’t Forgive
TPC River’s Bend is a course that makes you think from the first tee. The hardwood ridges create narrow sightlines. Creeks meander into fairways just when confidence builds. And the water hazards — present on six holes — feel less like obstacles and more like constant reminders: stay disciplined or pay the price.
The greens, Bentgrass rolled to lightning speeds, won’t offer much mercy either. Approach shots have to land on the right tier; otherwise, three-putts will multiply like storm clouds. This course doesn’t reward flash — it rewards patience, calculation, and guts.
Holes That Could Decide the Championship
- No. 6 (Par 5, 543 yards) — One of the front nine’s true turning points. Birdies are there, but only for players who can thread the needle off the tee and avoid the water pinch points.
- No. 8 (Par 5, 524 yards) — The epitome of risk-reward. Expect highlight-reel eagles and card-wrecking doubles within minutes of each other. This is River’s Bend at its most volatile.
- No. 11 (Par 5, 479 yards) — Not long, but deceptive. Fairways tighten, rough thickens, and nerves often dictate play more than talent.
- No. 5 (Par 3, 165 yards) — The “short test.” With wind swirling and tucked pin positions, this small hole may carry outsized importance.
The Field: Power vs. Precision
Lydia Ko returns to Cincinnati as the defending champion after a dominant 2024 season that included an Olympic gold medal and her third career major. Ko thrives on tracks that require surgical precision, and River’s Bend feels tailor-made for her.
But if Ko represents patience, Nelly Korda represents power. The two-time major winner and reigning Player of the Year has built her reputation on taming long courses with brute force and unflappable putting. River’s Bend could be her canvas — or her undoing if she presses too hard.
Other names demand attention:
- Charley Hull, who nearly claimed this title in 2023, thrives when the stakes climb.
- Minjee Lee, the 2023 champion, has the strategic brilliance to navigate River’s Bend’s hazards.
- Lexi Thompson, though unpredictable, remains one of the most exciting players in golf.
- And don’t sleep on the rookies — players making their Queen City debut often surprise, riding adrenaline and nothing-to-lose momentum.
Championship Legacy
Despite its youth, the Queen City Championship has already provided memorable moments:
- 2022 – Ally Ewing, the inaugural champion, set the tone.
- 2023 – Minjee Lee, surviving a playoff over Hull, showcased her major-winning grit.
- 2024 – Lydia Ko, separating from the field, delivered a masterclass in composure.
Now, with River’s Bend stepping into the picture, the event’s history may begin a new, more demanding chapter.
More Than Golf
The Queen City has embraced this championship, with galleries growing each year. Fans from across Ohio and Kentucky flock to watch, creating an atmosphere that blends Midwestern hospitality with major-championship intensity. Corporate sponsors, including Kroger and P&G, have invested heavily, ensuring this tournament feels as important off the course as on it.
For players, that means more than prize money. It means pressure — the sense that this event is growing into a defining stop on the LPGA’s late-season calendar.
Final Word
TPC River’s Bend is ready. The field is ready. Cincinnati is ready. The only question left: which player will step up to the challenge?
By Sunday evening, the Queen City Championship won’t just crown a champion — it will reveal who is bold enough to bend the course, rather than be bent by it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and reporting purposes only. Scores, results, and details will be updated as play concludes.
