Alexandra Swayne has a home-field advantage that most LPGA players can only dream of this week. The Kings High School graduate and Maketewah Country Club member received a sponsor's invitation to the Kroger Queen City Championship, and she's ready to make the most of it.

But before she tees it up on the familiar fairways of Maketewah, Swayne had a different kind of preparation on her mind. On Monday, she was practicing with a tennis ball, much to the confusion of her dog. The reason? She's throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Great American Ball Park before the Cincinnati Reds take on the Washington Nationals.

"We did some practice last night," Swayne said with a laugh. "My dog was confused why we were using one of his toys to practice. I'm interested to see what my form will be. As long as I get it to the plate, I'll be fine."

Throwing from a major league mound might be outside her comfort zone, but stepping onto the first tee at Maketewah feels like coming home. While many of her LPGA competitors are still learning the Donald Ross layout during practice rounds, Swayne has logged countless rounds on this course.

"I know the subtle breaks. I know how to play certain holes. I know which ones are birdie holes, which ones will be bogeys and you just have to walk away and be happy that you got a bogey," Swayne explained. "There is a huge advantage of already being 100 rounds in versus some of the girls just doing two or three practice rounds."

That local knowledge extends beyond just the greens. Swayne knows everyone at Maketewah, from the grounds crew to the pro shop staff. She understands the sightlines, the strategy, and the danger spots. Hitting the fairway is crucial here to avoid the thick rough, and she warns that downhill putts on the fast greens could be a defining factor this week.

"It's a Donald Ross course, so he knows what he's doing," Swayne said. "The greens are going to be very tricky, especially the downhill putts."

For Swayne, this week is about more than just competition. It's a chance to shine on a stage she knows intimately, with the support of a hometown crowd behind her. And whether she's throwing out a first pitch or sinking a birdie putt, she's ready to make the most of every moment.