Sad 😭😭😭 news hit newly Solheim Cup champs Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang as the all confirmed 

Sad 😭😭😭 news hit newly Solheim Cup champs Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang as the all confirmed 

Solheim Cup Champions Set to Compete at the Kroger Queen City Championship

The excitement of the 2024 Solheim Cup is still fresh as the LPGA quickly transitions back to competitive play with the Kroger Queen City Championship, taking place this week in Maineville, Ohio, just outside Cincinnati. This tournament features an impressive lineup, including three standout players from the victorious American team: Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang. The event is set to showcase their skills just five days after celebrating their Solheim Cup triumph.

Nelly Korda, a prominent figure in women’s golf and a key player on the American side, reflected on the emotional and thrilling experience of the Solheim Cup. “Gosh, it was such an unbelievable and crazy week,” she expressed. Korda emphasized the camaraderie she felt with her teammates and support staff, stating that the experience was not only about winning but also about the joy of spending time with the team. “That was my fourth Solheim Cup, and obviously it was sweeter to get the victory at the end of the week, but also such an amazing week with the girls.”

As the players prepare to compete again, Korda humorously remarked about the competitive spirit among teammates: “Just hate all the girls again,” eliciting laughter from the assembled media. Her lighthearted comment underlines the blend of competition and friendship that defines the LPGA, and she highlighted how the energy of competing fuels her passion for the sport. “Coming out here and competing, doing what I love just gives me a little bit more energy boost,” Korda added.

The field for this year’s Kroger Queen City Championship is robust, featuring a total of 11 players who are eager to claim the title. Alongside Korda, Thompson, and Zhang, eight European competitors will also vie for victory. These players include Linn Grant, Georgia Hall, Esther Henseleit, Charley Hull, Leona Maguire, Anna Nordqvist, Madelene Sagstrom, and Albane Valenzuela. This diverse group of talented golfers promises to deliver a captivating tournament, showcasing both American and European prowess in the sport.

This year marks the third iteration of the Kroger Queen City Championship, and it is notable for being the first time that TPC River’s Bend, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, will serve as the host course. Previously, the event was held at Kenwood Country Club for its first two years. TPC River’s Bend brings a new challenge to the players, as it is only the third time the LPGA has held a tournament at a TPC venue. The recent FM Championship took place at TPC Boston, and the prestigious 2023 Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown was held at TPC Harding Park, underscoring the LPGA’s commitment to high-quality venues.

As the defending champion, Minjee Lee will be looking to maintain her title at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Last year, Lee triumphed in a thrilling finish against Charley Hull, winning on the second playoff hole. Her presence in the tournament adds an extra layer of intrigue as she seeks to replicate her success and fend off the challenge from both her fellow Americans and the European competitors.

In addition to the main field, the tournament will feature four sponsor exemptions: Amari Avery, Gianna Clemente, Gabrielle Woods, and Yana Wilson. Woods is particularly noteworthy, having won the Division II individual NCAA championship last season while playing for Findlay, and Wilson was once ranked as the No. 1 player in the Rolex AJGA Rankings, indicating the depth of talent that the LPGA is nurturing.

The Kroger Queen City Championship marks the first of the remaining nine events on the LPGA’s 2024 schedule. As the season progresses, this tournament offers players a crucial opportunity to gain momentum and set the tone for the remainder of the year.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these elite athletes showcase their skills and compete for the championship title in what promises to be an exciting week of golf in Ohio. With the combination of fresh energy from the Solheim Cup and the anticipation of new challenges, the Kroger Queen City Championship is poised to be a highlight in the LPGA calendar.