Full Breakdown
Kroger Queen City Championship Debuts LPGA Tournament in Cincinnati
5/15/2026, 11:35:09 PM
Event Overview
The inaugural Kroger Queen City Championship opened on Thursday with a 144-player field. The first tee time was set for 7:15 a.m., and more than 100 of the world’s top women golfers assembled in Bond Hill, Cincinnati, to compete in the LPGA event. Sponsors include Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Bounty, Pantene, Crest, Oral-B and Pampers, all providing fan-experience zones throughout the course.
Historical Partnerships & Sponsorship
The tournament marks a renewed collaboration between Kroger and Procter & Gamble, whose founders—Barney Kroger and William Cooper Procter—jointly established the company that would become the Kroger-P&G partnership in 1910. Organizers highlighted the centennial legacy as a catalyst for bringing a premier LPGA event back to the city.
Leading Performances and Scores
Chella Choi, Rio Takeda and Ina Yoon each posted a four-under 66, sharing the early lead. Nelly Korda recorded a one-under 69, while Jeeno Thitikul matched that total. Lydia Ko and Charley Hull posted 67, and Hull’s defending-champion round of 68 placed her in a share of seventh. Takeda’s round featured five birdies and a single bogey; Choi’s final two holes slipped to bogeys after a foot slip on the eighth.
Local Players and Fan Engagement
Xavier University seniors Madison Reemsnyder (LPGA debut) and alum Emma McMyler (LPGA rookie) competed on the home course. Reemsnyder described the experience as a “roller coaster,” noting the surge of Xavier fans in the gallery. Her caddie, teammate Darrelyn Webster, called the day “pretty surreal.” Additional local participants included University of Cincinnati’s Ellise Rymer (2-over) and Kings graduate Alexandra Swayne (4-over). Fan zones featured free hair styling by Pantene, a 360° selfie cam by Crest/Oral-B, and a family center by Pampers.
Official Statements from Organizers
Procter & Gamble representative Matt Kirklen said the partnership with Kroger is “really amazing, exciting,” emphasizing the goal of delivering an “intimate setting” where fans can walk the course and interact with players. Tournament officials highlighted the logistical effort of a year-long planning process, including shuttle service and coordinated parking.
Course Difficulty and Player Critiques
Players described the venue as demanding. Chella Choi labeled it “super hard,” noting “fairways very narrow and the green… with many bumps.” Lydia Ko observed that “the front and back nine feel like two completely different golf courses, so it’s really hard to compare.” Charley Hull acknowledged solid play but admitted a bogey on the final hole, saying she was “pretty happy how I played.”
Tournament Statistics
- Opening tee time: 7:15 a.m.
- Leading score: 66 (-4)
- Notable rounds: 68 (Hull), 69 (Korda, Thitikul)
Conflicting Venue Reports
Source material identifies the host as both Matt Country Club in Bond Hill and Maketewah Country Club. The discrepancy remains unresolved, indicating a gap in publicly confirmed venue naming.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Fairways very narrow and the green is ... green in not flag, like so many bumps here.” — Chella Choi, LPGA golfer
- “I hit some good shots,” — Charley Hull, defending champion
- “It just felt pretty surreal. I just got to hang out with my best friend for 18 holes and carry her bag,” — Darrelyn Webster, Xavier junior and caddie
- “Image: Lydia Ko is chasing a first LPGA Tour win since March 2025 "The front and back nine feel like two completely different golf courses, so it's really hard to compare," Ko explained.” — Lydia Ko, world No. 1
- “YEAH, WE’RE SO EXCITED TO BRING THE QUEEN CITY CHAMPIONSHIP HERE TO MCCARTY.” — Matt Kirklen, Procter & Gamble representative
- “When I teed off, it was my parents, grandparents, close family and friends, and then as the day picked up, I started seeing more Xavier gear and more people cheering for me, and it was awesome,” — Madison Reemsnyder, Xavier senior
Upcoming Rounds
The second round is scheduled for Friday, with the field set to return for additional competition over the weekend. Players aim to improve on Thursday’s scores as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion.
