All in Due Course
In the 1980s, the LPGA was the hottest golf tour around, with stars such as Jan Stephenson, Nancy Lopez and Sally Little making headlines and setting records. And Cincinnati was the epicenter for much of that excitement, as the home of the LPGA Championship at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Center at Kings Island.
The Championship left in 1989, but not before Lopez, who also called the golf course home for a time, won three titles on her way to a Hall of Fame Career. Fast forward 30+ years to when the LPGA returned to the area in 2022 for the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G.
This is the second year for the stop, with a purse raised to $2 million for the 144 players teeing it up this week at Kenwood Country Club. If you were at the tournament last year, you’re familiar with some of the amenities for spectators. If not, here’s a quick read on who you’ll see, the added amenities on course, and what you can do:
First, 12 of the 18 different LPGA Tour champions are in the field this week, including major champions Allisen Corpuz and Ruoning Yin, Rolex First-Time Winners Linn Grant, Grace Kim, Alexa Pano, Elizabeth Szokol and Rose Zhang, and the LPGA’s most recent champion, rookie Chanettee Wannasaen who won last week in Portland. Zhang is one of the most exciting young players on tour, leaving Stanford this spring to turn pro after winning the NCAA singles title (for the second year in a row), then winning the next week on the LPGA Tour, the first time an LPGA player had won her professional debut in 72 years.
Last year’s inaugural Queen City Championship winner, Ally Ewing, is in the field this week. In 2022, Ewing shot a final round 66 to claim her third LPGA Tour victory. She set the 54- and 72-hole scoring records last year, while Jeongeun Lee6 set both the 18- and 36-hole scoring records.
This is the last event before the 2023 Solheim Cup, the biennial international faceoff between the U.S. and European golfers. Twelve 2023 Solheim Cup participants are playing in Cincinnati this week including Jennifer Kupcho, Lexi Thompson, Andrea Lee, Charley Hull, Madelene Sagstrom, Allisen Corpuz, Ally Ewing, Cheyenne Knight, Gemma Dryburgh, Linn Grant, Angel Yin, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Rose Zhang
Driving to the tournament? Parking is complimentary for spectators at the Tire Discounters Lot, 11511 Reed Hartman Highway in Blue Ash (Ensemble Health Partners Offices). Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the Main Entrance at Kenwood Country Club. There is no public parking at Kenwood Country Club during Tournament Week.
Unique Fan Experiences
Don Francisco’s Coffee
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee right inside the Main Entrance! Don Francisco’s Coffee, the Official Coffee of the Queen City Championship, is giving away free coffee to all spectators from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
Kroger Our Brands Trailer
Grab some quick snacks before walking the course at the Kroger Our Brands Trailer located at the Main Entrance.
Kroger Freshest Putt
Head to the Fan Zone and sink a 30-foot putt and be entered to win Kroger gift cards and other prizes!
Beauty on the Green
Herbal Essences, Mielle, and Pantene are helping you look your best on the course! Swing by the Fan Zone for product advice, giveaways, a braid bar, and selfie station from 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Pampers Family Center
Bringing a little one along? The Pampers Family Center has a private nursing station, indoor play space, and is stocked with diapers. New this year: two additional on-course Pampers Changing Stations (located at the 19th Hole and by 3 Green) to stop that blowout in its tracks!
Secret Driving Range
Swing by the Secret Driving Range from 9am-2pm on Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to catch DJ ETrayn and snap a selfie at the LPGA Selfie Station while watching the best in the world prep for their round.
Kroger Kooling Zone
Catch a break from the heat at the Kroger Cooling Zone at the 19th Hole. With free water, misters, and plenty of shade – there’s no cooler place to be.
Gain + Bounty Grandstands
Take a seat and let the play come to you from the Gain + Downy Grandstands located on the 1st Tee and 18th Green. All public grandstand seating is first come, first served.
Patriots Pavilion presented by Gillette Venus and Head & Shoulders
All guests with Military Tickets and their guests are welcome in the Patriots Pavilion, located on the 6th Tee. Enjoy free non-alcoholic refreshments and light snacks each day.
Carlo & Johnny Pavilion by Jeff Ruby
A premium experience with 360° views of the 6th tee, 13th green and 14th green. Enjoy elevated refreshments with the Jeff Ruby Culinary touch while watching the best in golf.
Need merch?
The official Tournament merchandise tent is set up just past the main entrance. Hats, shirts, you name it, you can find it there.
And just like almost every sporting event, there is a bag policy (smaller than 6” by 6” by 6” or clear bags smaller than 12” x 6” x 12”) and tickets are mobile. Check the list of prohibited items here.
Sunscreen is a must, along with comfortable walking shoes so you can follow your favorite players. And you won’t find a more gracious group of pro athletes than the LPGA Tour players, who are grateful to have the opportunity to play the game they love.
The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G is your chance to see some of the best golfers on the planet on one of the best courses in the area. Don’t miss it!