The LPGA is headed back to Cincinnati, but things look a little different this time around. If you’ve been following the tour's stint in Ohio, you know the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 isn't just another stop on the calendar. It’s become a cornerstone for women’s golf in the Midwest.
Golf is weird. One year a course plays like a pitch-and-putt, and the next, a slight shift in wind or a new mower setting turns it into a nightmare.
The 2025 edition carries a lot of weight. We are talking about a $2 million purse—at least based on previous years' scaling—and a field that usually pulls in the heavy hitters like Nelly Korda or Lydia Ko. But for the fans walking the ropes at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, the experience is less about the prize money and more about the specific, grueling layout of a course that was built to test professionals.
Why TPC River's Bend Matters for the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025
Location is everything. For a couple of years, Kenwood Country Club was the face of this tournament. It had that classic, old-school feel. Moving to TPC River's Bend changed the "vibe" of the event.
TPC River's Bend is an Arnold Palmer design. Palmer didn't really do "subtle." He liked drama. He liked risk-reward scenarios that make players sweat over a 5-iron. When the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 kicks off, players are going to be staring down a lot of water and some seriously undulating greens that require more than just a "aim at the middle" approach.
Honestly, the move to Maineville was a power move by Kroger and P&G. They wanted a venue that could handle the massive infrastructure of a modern LPGA event. We’re talking about hospitality suites, massive gallery stands on the 18th, and enough parking—thankfully—to actually accommodate the thousands of fans streaming in from Cincinnati and Dayton.
The Course Layout and the "Pro" Advantage
If you've played River's Bend as a guest, you know it's a beast from the back tees. For the LPGA pros, it’s a tactical puzzle.
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The par-5s are the key. In 2024, we saw players really trying to eagle their way into contention. For 2025, expect the setup to be even more aggressive. The LPGA has been leaning into setups that encourage low scores because, let's face it, fans want to see birdies. They don't want to see a grind-fest where par wins the hole.
- The 18th Hole: This is where the magic happens. It’s a finishing hole that allows for a massive roar if someone sticks an approach shot close.
- The Rough: Expect it to be thick. If the weather in Ohio is typical—meaning humid and rainy in the weeks leading up—the bluegrass rough will be a club-grabber.
The Field: Who is Showing Up?
You can't talk about the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 without talking about the roster. While the official entry list usually solidifies a few weeks before the event, the "Queen City" has become a favorite for the top 50 in the Rolex Rankings.
Lydia Ko has a history here. She’s essentially a lock for fan-favorite status every time she steps onto an Ohio tee box. Then you have the young guns. Rose Zhang and Lilia Vu have shown that they aren't intimidated by the heat or the pressure of a late-season tournament.
Tournament Director Emily Goddard and the team at Excel Sports Management have been vocal about making this a "must-play" event. By positioning the tournament in September, they’ve hit a sweet spot. The weather is usually cooling off—sorta—and the players are looking to shore up their points for the CME Group Tour Championship.
Local Impact and the "Kroger" Factor
Kroger isn't just a name on a billboard here. They are based in Cincinnati. This is their backyard.
Because of that, the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 feels more like a community festival than a standard sporting event. They have the "Longest Drive" competitions for fans and massive food tents that actually serve decent meals—not just soggy hot dogs. The "Power of the Purse" initiative also continues to be a massive draw, focusing on women’s leadership and business networking alongside the golf. It’s one of those rare moments where corporate sponsorship actually feels integrated rather than just slapped on.
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What to Expect if You're Attending
If you’re planning on going, wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. TPC River's Bend is not a flat walk.
The elevation changes are sneaky. You'll be walking up a hill thinking you're fine, and then realize you're out of breath by the time you reach the green. But the views are worth it. The stretch of holes that run along the Little Miami River offers some of the best photography opportunities on the entire tour.
Tickets and Access:
Usually, they offer a range of options.
- General Admission: Good for the "wanderers" who want to follow a specific group.
- The Champions Club: This is for people who want shade, a drink, and a view of the 18th.
- Volunteer Opportunities: This is actually the best way to see the action. You get inside the ropes. You see how fast these women actually swing the club. It’s terrifying and impressive all at once.
The Strategy: How the Tournament is Won
The Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 will be won on the greens.
At this level, everyone hits it 260+ yards off the tee. Everyone can hit a wedge to ten feet. The difference-maker at River's Bend is the flat stick. The greens are large, meaning if you’re on the wrong tier, you’re looking at a 60-foot putt with three feet of break.
We’ve seen past winners like Minjee Lee dominate because of their iron play. If you can't control your spin coming into these firm greens, you're going to struggle. The 2025 winner will likely be someone who is currently in the top 10 for "Strokes Gained: Approach."
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Why This Event Matters for the LPGA's Future
There was a time when the LPGA struggled to find its footing in major markets. Cincinnati has proven that theory wrong.
The attendance numbers for the Queen City Championship have consistently outperformed expectations. It’s a testament to the golf culture in the Midwest. People here know the game. They respect the skill. When a player like Jeeno Thitikul sticks a 7-iron to two inches, the crowd doesn't just clap; they go wild because they know how hard that shot is.
Logistics for the 2025 Event
Expect the tournament to take place in mid-September.
Parking is usually off-site with shuttle service. Don't try to park in the neighborhoods nearby; the local police are very efficient with the tow trucks. The shuttle system from the designated lots (usually local schools or corporate parks) is actually pretty seamless.
Pro-Tip for Fans: Head to the practice range early in the morning. You can stand five feet away from the best golfers in the world as they warm up. You’ll hear the "thud" of a perfectly struck ball. It sounds different than when we do it. It’s a crisp, compressed sound that reminds you why they are the ones playing for $2 million and we are the ones watching.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans and Players
If you are looking to get the most out of the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025, you need a plan. Don't just show up and walk aimlessly.
- Download the LPGA App: It has real-time scoring. Because of the hills at River's Bend, you might lose sight of the leaderboards. The app is your lifeline to knowing if a charge is happening on the back nine.
- Pick a "Viewing Hub": The area around the 13th and 14th holes is usually a bit quieter but offers great sightlines. If you want the noise, park yourself at the 18th green three hours before the final group finishes.
- Check the Weather: Ohio in September can be 90 degrees or 60 degrees. There is no in-between. Bring a poncho. Even if the sun is shining, a "pop-up" thunderstorm is almost a tradition at this point.
- Support the Partners: Visit the Kroger Fan Zone. They usually have giveaways and interactive exhibits that are actually fun for kids. It makes it a family event rather than just a quiet day on the links.
The 2025 tournament is shaping up to be a defining moment for the LPGA's presence in the region. With a course that demands excellence and a sponsor that is deeply invested in the outcome, the Queen City is ready to crown another champion. Whether you're there for the elite athleticism or just a day out in the sun, this event delivers on every level.
Make sure to book your hotels in the Mason or Maineville area early. They fill up fast with support staff, media, and players' families. If you wait until August, you'll be driving 40 minutes from downtown Cincinnati every morning. Take the time to explore the local food scene in Mason while you're there—there are some hidden gems that the caddies usually flock to after their rounds.