Charley Hull And Lottie Woad Impress At Kroger Queen City Championship

Introduction To The Kroger Queen City Championship

The 2025 Kroger Queen City Championship at TPC River's Bend in Ohio has already delivered an electrifying start on the LPGA Tour. Standout performances from England's Charley Hull and Lottie Woad have put them firmly in contention, while Thai golfer Chanettee Wannasaen surged ahead with an impressive opening round. This tournament, watched live on Sky Sports Golf, offers a fascinating glimpse into the current form and future prospects of some of women's golf's brightest stars.

Chanettee Wannasaen Sets The Early Pace

Chanettee Wannasaen fired an exceptional nine-under-par 63 in her opening round, featuring an eagle and seven birdies without a single bogey. This bogey-free card placed her comfortably at the top of the leaderboard, setting a challenging clubhouse target for the chasing pack. Her front-nine 33 was followed by a remarkable eagle on the par-four 10th, showcasing her aggressive yet precise approach on a course known for its demanding layout. Her ability to maintain composure and capitalise on scoring opportunities early on makes her a player to watch as the tournament progresses.

Charley Hull’s Strong Start And Consistency

Charley Hull, currently ranked among the leading English golfers, began her round on the back nine and quickly made her presence felt. She birdied her opening two holes, added another birdie at the tricky par-three 13th, and picked up a further shot at the par-four 15th, briefly moving into the outright lead. Hull finished a bogey-free round of 68, four under par, highlighted by 11 consecutive pars to close her round solidly.

Hull’s recent form on the international stage has been promising, with two consecutive tied-second finishes prior to this event. Her ability to combine steady ball striking with timely putting makes her a consistent contender under pressure. As Hull remarked post-round, "I got off to a pretty fast start. Played pretty decently, hit it pretty decently. Just didn’t make any birdies on the back nine, but I played pretty solid. Hopefully we can go low over the next few days." Her confidence and form suggest she will remain a key figure in the hunt for the title.

Lottie Woad’s Impressive Performance Amongst The Leaders

Lottie Woad, another promising English talent, carded a five-under 67 placing her just a stroke behind Hull. Woad’s round featured an eagle, four birdies, and two bogeys, reflecting a dynamic and eventful round. She made a strong finish with three birdies in her last five holes, demonstrating resilience and the ability to accelerate scoring when it counts.

Woad’s performance is particularly significant as she continues to establish herself on the LPGA Tour. Her aggressive yet controlled playstyle, combined with a steady short game, makes her a formidable competitor on courses like TPC River's Bend which demand precision and strategic shot-making.

Other Notable Contenders In The Field

The tournament field also includes top-ranked players such as world No. 2 Nelly Korda, who posted a solid five-under 67 to stay within striking distance of the lead. Korda’s round was marked by five birdies in a seven-hole stretch, reflecting her capacity to produce bursts of scoring. She noted the favourable weather and course conditions, saying, "With the saturated conditions, a little softer, you could be a little bit more aggressive."

In addition, Solheim Cup stars Maja Stark and Celine Boutier both opened with rounds of 68, reinforcing the depth of talent present. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and defending champion Lydia Ko were part of the afternoon wave, poised to mount their own challenges in the coming rounds.

Course Conditions And Their Impact On Play

The TPC River's Bend course is known for its strategic design, requiring a blend of precision and power. Early rounds saw relatively soft and saturated turf conditions due to recent weather, allowing players to be more aggressive with their approach shots. The minimal wind further contributed to scoring opportunities, as players could confidently attack pins without the usual course hazards complicating their shots.

This combination of factors has contributed to the low scoring seen in the opening round, with several players managing bogey-free rounds. As the tournament progresses, weather changes and pin placements will likely pose greater challenges, testing players' adaptability and mental toughness.

What This Means For English Golf

The strong starts by Charley Hull and Lottie Woad highlight the growing prominence of English golfers on the international stage. Their performances at the Kroger Queen City Championship reflect the depth of talent emerging from England, supported by robust national golf programmes and competitive domestic circuits. For fans keen to follow their progress, platforms like County Cricket Latest Championship Updates And Key Highlights illustrate SportScoop’s commitment to comprehensive coverage across sports, ensuring followers stay informed of their favourite athletes' journeys.

How To Watch And Follow The Tournament

Live coverage of the Kroger Queen City Championship continues on Sky Sports Golf, with extensive broadcasts from 9pm throughout the week. For viewers without Sky, streaming options such as NOW provide easy access without contract commitments.

For those interested in broader sports news, SportScoop offers a wide range of updates, including the latest in golf and football. For example, readers can follow their favourite football club with BBC Sport or catch up on thrilling tennis updates like Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open victory.

Conclusion: A Championship Poised For Excitement

The Kroger Queen City Championship has started with a compelling narrative — Chanettee Wannasaen’s dominant early lead challenged by a talented pack including Charley Hull and Lottie Woad. With world-class players battling at TPC River's Bend, spectators are guaranteed thrilling golf over the coming days. The blend of emerging English talent and established international stars creates a fascinating contest that exemplifies the excitement of the LPGA Tour.

Will Hull and Woad maintain their momentum to challenge for the title? Can Wannasaen hold off the chasing pack? As the tournament unfolds, fans will be eager to witness these stories develop, all under the expert coverage offered by leading sports broadcasters.