The Hole Story
Lydia Ko continued her impressive 2024 streak with her 22nd career victory on the LPGA Tour at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G on Sunday, Sept. 22 at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio.
Ko finished with a final round of -9 to finish -23, the lowest ever score at the Kroger Queen City Championship.
She began the day in second place, two strokes behind Jeeno Thitikul, who led the tournament for two rounds. Ko finished the back nine with four birdies and an eagle to pull away from Thitikul, who finished at -18.
The Queen City Championship also had on the future, presenting the 2024 Game Changers scholarships to 24 female students from each community that Kroger serves with a $2,000 scholarship.
Nidhi Patel, Game Changers Scholar, LPGA Player Amari Avery, and Sydney Breeze, Game Changers Scholar
The program, presented by The Kroger Foundation and Always® Brand, supports underrepresented women seeking degrees in business and liberal arts and is in its third year.
Nidhi Patel and Sydney Breeze. two of the scholarship recipients, took part in a putting clinic on Saturday hosted by LPGA player Amari Avery. Patel, from Batavia, is pursuing a finance degree at Xavier University, and Breeze, from Lexington, Ky., is studying exercise science at Asbury University where she also plays soccer.
“Through the Game Changers program, we are honored to have supported more than 400 women in pursuit of their academic and professional aspirations, including awarding nearly $100,000 to students since the scholarship program began,” said Kate Meyer, Kroger Health & Beauty Care vice president. “Together with P&G, we are so proud to empower these female scholars to pursue their dreams.”
Saturday was also Junior Day sponsored by Venus and Gillette. All children received free admission, plus a backpack, T-shirt, free Graeter's ice cream, free Skyline Chili coupon, and more.
Activities throughout the day include a Junior Clinic presented by Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports medicine at the Bounty Driving Range, where young golf fans can learn more about the game from LPGA player Aline Krauter.
Additionally, kids participated in a photo scavenger hunt, courtesy of First Tee, and the crowd favorite Secret Autograph Alley, where fans of all ages got selfies and autographs from LPGA players. In the Fan Zone, Crest and Oral-B's Smile 360 Station allowed fans to grab a 360-degree selfie to commemorate the day. Zevo also selected a Family of the Day to take home a gift basket of products, plus Queen City Championship merchandise.
Beauty on the Green was back for the second year with Pantene, Head & Shoulders and Herbal Essences providing free dry styling for kids and adults.
The “Pampers Family Center” was extremely popular to get kids out of the heat, complete with toys, a mom’s room and space for parents to take a break with their little ones.l.
“We are so proud to showcase how Cincinnati is a great place to work, live, raise a family, and enjoy world-class events like the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G,” said Pat Cady, P&G Sales senior vice president. “In our first three years, it's incredible to see how the impact of the Game Changers program has grown to empower women not only here in Cincinnati, but also across the country.”
According to tournament officials, more than 50,000 fans attended the tournament, with an economic impact of $14 million to the area. The tournament was broadcast globally on GOLF Channel with more than three billion media impressions from coverage earned over the four days.
“We are thrilled with the success of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G in its third year,” said Emily Norell, tournament director. “We could not put on this world-class event without the support of our corporate partners, our fans and our volunteers. We also want to congratulate Lydia Ko on her championship, and thank the staff at TPC River's Bend for welcming us to a true champiopnship course.”