LPGA Tour: Charley Hull makes fast start to Kroger Queen City Championship title defence with Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko in contention
LPGA Tour: Charley Hull makes fast start to Kroger Queen City Championship title defence with Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko in contention
The LPGA Tour has returned to Cincinnati for the highly anticipated 2026 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, and the opening round did not disappoint. Defending champion Charley Hull ignited her title defense with a stellar performance, navigating a challenging new venue to place herself firmly in the mix. However, the leaderboard is packed with world-class talent, as World No. 1 Nelly Korda and multi-major winner Lydia Ko both posted strong scores to remain in serious contention. As the tour transitions to the historic Maketewah Country Club, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown featuring the absolute best in women's professional golf.
Charley Hull, the 2025 winner, opened her account with a 2-under par 68, leaving her just two strokes off the early lead shared by Chella Choi, Yoon I-na, and Rio Takeda. Hull's round was highlighted by an impressive eagle on the par-5 seventh hole, proving that she has the power and precision to dominate the 6,705-yard layout. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, who has already secured three victories in 2026, carded a steady 1-under 69, while Lydia Ko matched Hull's 68. With 20 of the top 25 players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings present, the tournament is living up to its billing as a premier event on the LPGA calendar.
Charley Hull's Aggressive Title Defense Begins
Charley Hull arrived at Maketewah Country Club with the pressure of being the defending champion, but the English star showed no signs of slowing down. Known for her aggressive "grip it and rip it" style, Hull attacked the course despite windy and blustery morning conditions. Her round of 68 included a mix of brilliance and recovery, epitomized by her eagle on the seventh. Hull admitted after the round that while she feels her ball-striking isn't at its absolute peak, her ability to score remains high. "I still think it's a very scorable golf course," Hull remarked, highlighting her optimistic mindset as she chases her fourth career LPGA victory.
Statistically, Hull was solid during the first round, hitting 10 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens in regulation. This efficiency allowed her to navigate the "quirky" holes of the Donald Ross-designed course. Having won last year with a total of 20-under par, Hull understands the need for a high birdie count. Her performance in the opening round suggests she is well-prepared to handle the transition from September to May, a significant change in the tournament's scheduling for the 2026 season.
Nelly Korda: The World No. 1 Continues Her Historic Run
Nelly Korda entered the week as the overwhelming favorite, and for good reason. Her 2026 season has been nothing short of historic, featuring three wins and three runner-up finishes in her first six starts. Korda's opening round of 69 (1-under) keeps her right in the thick of the action. Her game this year has been defined by incredible patience and a vastly improved approach from the rough, where she leads the tour in greens in regulation. In Cincinnati, Korda's steady hand was on display as she managed the shifting winds that troubled much of the field.
Korda's presence at the top of the leaderboard is a constant threat to the field. After a winless 2025, she has returned with a renewed focus on her mental game. "Mentally being on the golf course... my patience, for sure," Korda cited as the strongest part of her current form. As she prepares for a "big summer" involving multiple majors, a victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship would further solidify her status as the dominant force in the sport. Fans are eagerly watching to see if she can replicate the seven-win stretch she enjoyed in early 2024.
Lydia Ko Finds Form at Maketewah
Lydia Ko, the 2024 champion of this event, is also looming large. Ko carded a 68 to match Hull, placing her just two shots back of the leaders. The New Zealander, who recently secured her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame following her Olympic Gold in Paris, has been remarkably consistent. Her round was a masterclass in course management, a necessary skill on a Donald Ross layout that rewards strategic placement over raw power. Ko’s history with this tournament is storied, and her comfort level in Cincinnati is evident.
With 22 LPGA titles to her name, Ko is one of the most experienced players in the field. Her performance in the first round underscores her intent to add a 23rd trophy to her collection. Ko's ability to remain in contention despite the high-caliber field demonstrates why she has spent 130 weeks of her career as the World No. 1. As the tournament progresses, her putting—often cited as the best in the world—will likely be the deciding factor on the challenging Maketewah greens.
The Leaderboard: A Trio of Stars at the Top
While the headlines focus on the established superstars, the top of the leaderboard is currently held by Chella Choi, Yoon I-na, and Rio Takeda, all of whom posted 4-under par rounds of 66. These players took advantage of the scoring opportunities provided by the par-72 course. Yoon I-na, in particular, has been a rising star on the global stage, and her performance in the first round signals her readiness to compete for an LPGA title on American soil. Takeda, representing the strong contingent of Japanese players, also showed exceptional skill in reading the local conditions.
The shared lead at 4-under reflects the difficulty of the course under the windy conditions. With 21 players within three strokes of the lead, the Kroger Queen City Championship is wide open. The depth of the field, which includes 22 of the 28 total 2026 LPGA Tour rookies, ensures that the competition will remain fierce through the weekend. The blend of seasoned veterans like Choi and emerging talents like Yoon creates a compelling narrative for the rounds to come.
Maketewah Country Club: A Historic New Venue
The 2026 edition marks a significant change for the tournament as it moves to Maketewah Country Club. Founded in 1910 and redesigned by the legendary Donald Ross, the course offers a unique challenge compared to previous venues like Kenwood and TPC River's Bend. The layout is described by players as "quirky," featuring undulating fairways and complex green complexes that require precise approach shots. The change from September to May also means different turf conditions and weather patterns, adding another layer of strategy for the players.
| Tournament Detail | 2026 Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Maketewah Country Club, Cincinnati |
| Par / Yardage | Par 72 / 6,705 Yards |
| Total Purse | $2,000,000 |
| Winner's Share | $300,000 |
The move to Maketewah has been met with praise from the local community and the players. The club has a long history of hosting significant amateur and professional events, and its inclusion in the LPGA schedule further cements Cincinnati's reputation as a premier golf destination. For the 144 players in the field, mastering the nuances of this Ross masterpiece is the primary goal. As seen in the first round, those who can manage their misses and navigate the "scorable" but "tricky" holes will find themselves at the top of the leaderboard.
Impact of Weather and Conditions in Cincinnati
Weather played a major role in the opening round, with cold and blustery morning temperatures challenging the early starters. Charley Hull mentioned the difficulty of the "cold morning," which made the course play longer and the greens harder to read. However, as the sun emerged, the scoring conditions improved slightly, allowing more players to reach under par. The wind remained a constant factor throughout the day, testing the players' ability to control their ball flight and spin.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the remainder of the tournament suggests variable conditions. In Cincinnati, spring weather can be unpredictable, and the players must be prepared for anything from rain to high winds. These environmental factors favor experienced ball-strikers like Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, who have proven their ability to win in adverse conditions. The ability to adapt to the changing environment will be crucial for anyone hoping to hoist the trophy on Sunday.
Rookie Watch and Emerging Talents
The 2026 rookie class is one of the strongest in recent memory, and many are making their presence felt in Cincinnati. With 22 rookies in the field, including names like Youmin Hwang and Erika Hara, the "youth movement" on the LPGA Tour is in full swing. Several rookies finished their opening rounds near the top of the leaderboard, proving they can compete with established stars like Korda and Ko. The Kroger Queen City Championship has historically been a place where new stars emerge, and 2026 seems to be no different.
These young players bring a level of fearlessness to the game, often playing an aggressive style that mimics Charley Hull’s approach. For many, this is their first time seeing a Donald Ross course, making their early success even more impressive. As the pressure mounts over the weekend, it will be interesting to see which of these newcomers can maintain their composure and challenge for the $300,000 winner's check.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Kroger Queen City Championship
Who is the defending champion?
Charley Hull is the defending champion, having won the 2025 event at TPC River's Bend with a score of 20-under par.
Where is the 2026 tournament being held?
The 2026 tournament is being hosted at the Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What is the total prize purse for the event?
The total prize purse is $2 million, with the winner receiving $300,000.
Why did the tournament move from September to May?
The schedule change was implemented for the 2026 season to better align with the LPGA's global calendar and to take advantage of spring conditions in Ohio.
How many world-ranked players are in the field?
The field is exceptionally strong, featuring 20 of the top 25 players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, including No. 1 Nelly Korda.
Conclusion
The opening round of the 2026 Kroger Queen City Championship has set the stage for an epic battle in Cincinnati. Charley Hull’s aggressive start to her title defense, combined with the steady brilliance of Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, ensures that the weekend will be filled with high-drama golf. As the field continues to navigate the historic challenges of Maketewah Country Club, every shot will count in the race for the $2 million purse. With a leaderboard featuring a perfect blend of legends and rising stars, golf fans are in for a treat as the tournament unfolds.
LPGA Tour: Charley Hull makes fast start to Kroger Queen City Championship title defence with Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko in contention
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