Venue: Kenwood Country Club (Kendall Course) — Cincinnati, Ohio
First Tee Time (Round 1): 7:15 a.m. ET
Purse: Expected $2.0–2.2 million
Defending Champion: Minjee Lee (2025)
VENUE — KENWOOD COUNTRY CLUB (KENDALL COURSE)
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Course: Kendall Course
- Par: 72
- Yardage: ~6,550 yards (2026 projected setup)
- Architect: William Diddel (classic parkland design)
- Style: Tree‑lined fairways, elevated greens, strategic bunkering
- Green Type: Bentgrass
- Fairways: Bent/Poa mix
- Rough: Bluegrass, typically thick and penal
Course Identity: Kenwood is a precision‑first ball‑striking test. The fairways are narrow, the greens are elevated and firm, and the course rewards:
- Elite approach play
- High‑trajectory iron shots
- Strong scrambling
- Patience on slick greens
The Kendall Course is not long by LPGA standards, but it demands accuracy, creativity, and discipline.
WEATHER FORECAST
Overall Theme: Warm, breezy, and mostly dry — ideal scoring conditions with some afternoon wind.
Thursday (Round 1)
- High: 76°F
- Wind: 8–12 mph SW
- Conditions: Sunny, firming greens
- Impact: Morning wave gets softer greens; afternoon wave sees more wind.
Friday (Round 2)
- High: 78°F
- Wind: 10–14 mph
- Conditions: Dry, fast
- Impact: Scoring tougher in afternoon; cut likely around -2 or -3.
Saturday (Round 3)
- High: 80°F
- Wind: 6–10 mph
- Conditions: Perfect scoring day
- Impact: Expect low rounds from early starters.
Sunday (Final Round)
- High: 81°F
- Wind: 8–12 mph
- Conditions: Firm greens, championship pressure
- Impact: Approach accuracy becomes decisive.
COURSE CONDITIONS & SETUP
Fairways:
Narrow, tree‑lined, firm — accuracy is at a premium.
Rough:
2.5–3 inches, sticky bluegrass — punishes missed fairways.
Greens:
Bentgrass, projected to roll 11.5–12 on the Stimpmeter. Multi‑tiered with run‑offs and false fronts.
Bunkers:
Deep, strategically placed, especially guarding par‑3 greens.
Overall Difficulty:
Expect a winning score around -14 to -17, depending on weekend firmness.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The Kroger Queen City Championship is one of the LPGA’s newer but rapidly growing events, producing:
- Elite ball‑strikers
- Strong putters on bentgrass
- Players comfortable in Midwest wind
Recent Champions:
- 2025: Minjee Lee
- 2024: Ruoning Yin
- 2023: Ally Ewing
- 2022: Ally Ewing
Historical Trends:
- Winners gain 4+ strokes on approach for the week.
- Par‑5 scoring is decisive.
- Bentgrass putting specialists thrive.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS & ANALYSIS
Below are the headline contenders, their recent form, and how they fit Kenwood.
Nelly Korda (USA)
Odds: 7–1 (favorite) Recent Form: Win, T3, T8, T2 Strengths: Elite ball‑striking, high‑trajectory irons Weakness: Occasional putting slumps
Analysis: Korda’s game is built for Kenwood — towering irons, precision wedges, and strong par‑5 scoring. If the putter cooperates, she’s the player to beat.
Minjee Lee (AUS)
Odds: 10–1 Recent Form: T5, T12, T20 Strengths: Best iron player in the field Weakness: Streaky putter
Analysis: The defending champion thrives on firm, fast greens. Her elite approach play gives her a massive edge. If she putts field‑average, she contends.
Lilia Vu (USA)
Odds: 12–1 Recent Form: T8, T15, T3 Strengths: All‑around consistency Weakness: Driving accuracy
Analysis: Vu’s short game is world‑class, and her iron play is trending upward. If she finds fairways, she’s a top‑5 threat.
Atthaya Thitikul (THA)
Odds: 14–1 Recent Form: T6, T10, T18 Strengths: Precision irons, elite scrambling Weakness: Distance disadvantage
Analysis: Thitikul’s accuracy and creativity make her a perfect fit for Kenwood. Expect her to be in the mix on Sunday.
Brooke Henderson (CAN)
Odds: 18–1 Recent Form: T20, T7, MC Strengths: Power + high‑spin irons Weakness: Inconsistent putting
Analysis: Henderson’s aggressive style can produce birdie streaks, but she must control spin on firm greens.
Charley Hull (ENG)
Odds: 20–1 Recent Form: T12, T4, T25 Strengths: Ball‑striking, fearless shot‑making Weakness: Short game volatility
Analysis: Hull’s aggressive approach play suits Kenwood, but she must avoid big numbers.
Rose Zhang (USA)
Odds: 16–1 Recent Form: T3, T14, T9 Strengths: Precision, maturity, elite iron play Weakness: Experience in windy conditions
Analysis: Zhang’s game is built for classic parkland courses. She’s a legitimate contender.
BETTING TRENDS & ANGLES
1. Course Fit Trends
- Ball‑strikers dominate — last 3 winners gained heavily on approach.
- Bentgrass putting specialists excel.
- Par‑5 scoring is decisive.
- Players with high‑trajectory irons thrive on elevated greens.
2. Recent Form Trends
- 9 of the last 10 LPGA winners had a top‑15 finish in the previous month.
- 7 of the last 10 had gained strokes on approach in 3 straight events.
3. Weather Trends
- Afternoon wave disadvantage on Thursday and Friday due to wind.
