Wannasaen Dominates Kroger Queen City: 63 Strokes and Solid Leadership

Chanettee Wannasaen leads the Kroger Queen City Championship with an outstanding round

MAINEVILLE, Ohio – Chanettee Wannasaen showcased her talent by overcoming a slump in her game, achieving an impressive round of 63 strokes, nine under par, which gives her a two-stroke lead at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Wannasaen got an eagle by holing his 9-iron shot on the 10th hole, a par 4, and added seven birdies in his morning round at TPC River’s Bend, which was in wet conditions.

“I played really well today,” Wannasaen commented. “After the AIG (Women’s British Open), I had some difficulties with my swing, so I couldn’t make solid shots.”

Chanettee Wannasaen

The 21-year-old Thai golfer has two LPGA Tour victories: the 2023 Portland Classic and the 2024 Dana Open. Gigi Stoll, from the United States, placed second with 65 strokes. She achieved an outstanding performance on the four par 5 holes, playing five under par, with an eagle on the 11th hole and three birdies.

“I think they’re a little shorter than usual, so playing the par 5s well here will be a big advantage,” Stoll said. “I just rolled the ball today.”

Gigi Stoll

Sei Young Kim, Patty Tavatanakit, A Lim Kim, Peiyun Chien, Kumkang Park, and Jenny Bae are within one stroke of the lead. Nelly Korda, number two in the ranking, leads the group with 67 strokes. She is looking for her first LPGA title this year, after having won seven times in 2024.

“I made some putts here and there,” Korda said. “Overall, everything was flowing and the weather was excellent. There was no wind. So, with the saturated conditions, a little softer, you could be a little more aggressive.”

Nelly Korda

Charley Hull started with 68 strokes. She arrives after obtaining second place in Houston as part of the Aramco series on the Ladies European Tour.

“I played pretty solid last week and obviously now in the first week back on the LPGA, continuing on this week,” Hull said. “Hopefully we can play low in the coming days.”

Charley Hull

Jeeno Thitikul, the number one in the ranking, made a round of 69 strokes, while the defending champion, Lydia Ko, started with 70. Alison Lee shot a 76 in her first participation after giving birth to a child in April.