Wannasaen leads the Kroger Queen City Championship with 63 strokes

Chanettee Wannasaen Leads the Kroger Queen City Championship with an Impressive 63

MAINEVILLE, Ohio – Chanettee Wannasaen, after overcoming difficulties with her swing, achieved an outstanding round of 63 strokes, nine under par, securing a two-stroke lead at the Kroger Queen City Championship on Thursday. Wannasaen stood out by holing a 9-iron shot for eagle on the 10th hole, a par 4, and achieved seven birdies in his morning round at TPC River’s Bend, which was in humid conditions.

“Actually, I played very well today,” Wannasaen commented. “After the AIG (Women’s British Open), I had some difficulties with my swing, so I couldn’t connect 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, finished in second place with 65 strokes. She achieved a performance of 5 under par on the four par 5 holes, including an eagle on the 11th hole and three additional birdies.

“I think they are a little shorter than usual, so playing the par 5s here will be a big advantage,” Stoll stated. “Today I just got the ball rolling.”

Gigi Stoll

Sei Young Kim was positioned one stroke behind, sharing position with Patty Tavatanakit, A Lim Kim, Peiyun Chien, Kumkang Park and Jenny Bae. Nelly Korda, currently number two in the world, led the following group with 67 strokes. Korda is seeking her first LPGA title this year, after having achieved seven victories in 2024.

“I made some putts here and there,” Korda said. “Overall, everything was flowing and the weather was excellent. There was practically 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 a 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 this week,” Hull commented. “Hopefully we can play low in the coming days.”

Charley Hull

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