The LPGA Tour is heading to Ohio this week, and the Kroger Queen City Championship is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Headlining the field are world No. 1 Nelly Korda and No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul—marking the first time both top-ranked players have competed together since the season's first major at the Chevron Championship.
These two superstars have been absolutely dominant in 2026, combining for five titles so far, including wins in the last three LPGA events. Korda has three victories to her name, while Thitikul has two, and together they represent the elite of women's golf at its finest.
The strength of the field is impressive: seven of the top 10 and 16 of the top 20 players in the world will tee it up among the 144 competitors at Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati. The tournament runs May 14-17, a shift from its traditional September slot, adding a fresh dynamic to the early-season schedule.
What makes this season so compelling is the shift in competitive parity. Last year, the LPGA saw a record 29 different winners, with no repeat champion until October. This year, four players have already won multiple titles, including Korda, Thitikul, Hyo Joo Kim, and Hannah Green—though neither Kim nor Green will be in Ohio this week.
"I think all the players, including me, just really want to get better," Thitikul said, reflecting on the rising level of competition. "We have proof from last year that we got a lot more talented players... everyone could win the tournaments, which means the competition level is getting higher."
One player to watch is Ruoning Yin, who jumped to No. 4 in the world after finishing runner-up to Thitikul last week in New Jersey. The 23-year-old has been knocking on the door, with second-place finishes in her last two starts, including a share of runner-up at the Chevron Championship.
"I think this week will be my fifth runner-up in 19 months," Yin said with a mix of frustration and hope. "I just think something cool is going to happen. I just don't know when."
With the world's best converging in Ohio, this week promises drama, elite shot-making, and a glimpse at the future of women's golf. Whether you're a fan of Korda's power, Thitikul's precision, or Yin's relentless pursuit of that first win, the Kroger Queen City Championship is the place to be.