The LPGA season has been nothing short of spectacular, and this week's Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G at Maketewah Country Club is shaping up to be a must-watch event. At the heart of the excitement? A potential showdown between the world's top two players: Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul.
Ask any fan planning to attend what they'd love to see during Sunday's final round, and the answer is clear—a head-to-head battle between these two stars. While underdog stories always tug at the heartstrings, it's hard to ignore how dominant the LPGA's elite have been this season. The top five players in the world have combined for nine titles over just 11 events, and Korda and Thitikul alone account for five of those wins.
Korda, now ranked No. 1 after a stunning run, has been on fire. She captured back-to-back titles, including a major at the Chevron Championship, which propelled her past Thitikul in the Rolex Rankings. She followed that with a victory at the Riviera Maya Open before taking a well-deserved break last week. Thitikul, meanwhile, has been equally impressive, and the stage is set for a thrilling duel.
Maketewah Country Club adds an extra layer of drama, especially with its unique finishing hole. The par-3 18th is the shortest on the course at just 145 yards, but it's a gem of a challenge. Four greenside bunkers guard the green, and if Korda and Thitikul are neck-and-neck heading into that final shot, you can bet every spot along the ropes will be filled. "We don't really get to finish on par-3s," Korda noted in her pre-tournament press conference. "The golf course is already tough enough with how you have to route your shots, but the greens are tough, too—very undulated. Just a typical Donald Ross course."
For Korda, the key to her recent success has been patience. "Mentally being on the golf course, just really enjoying it," she said. That mindset has made her nearly unstoppable, but Thitikul won't back down easily. With world No. 4 Ruoning Yin also in the field—fresh off back-to-back runner-up finishes—the competition is fierce. (World No. 3 Hyo Joo Kim and No. 5 Hannah Green are sitting this one out.)
Whether you're rooting for a rivalry to ignite or simply love watching the best in the world compete, this week's Kroger Queen City Championship promises unforgettable moments. Grab your gear, find a spot on the course, and get ready for a Sunday that could define the season.
