The Kroger Queen City Championship at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio, is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events on the LPGA calendar this year. On Friday, September 12, 2025, the second round produced a flurry of action, memorable moments, and standout performances, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend as the field jockeys for position ahead of the final rounds. With fans lining the fairways and players battling both the course and each other, the tournament is heating up in all the right ways.
Friday's round saw the spotlight firmly fixed on Chanettee Wannasaen, who delivered a masterful performance to card a 4-under 68. That score propelled her to a 13-under total through 36 holes, giving her a two-stroke cushion over her closest pursuers: Jeeno Thitikul, Charley Hull, and Olivia Cowan. Wannasaen's consistency and poise under pressure have made her the player to watch as the championship heads into its pivotal third round.
But let's not pretend it was a walk in the park for Wannasaen or anyone else on the leaderboard. The field is stacked with talent, and the chasers are not backing down. Jeeno Thitikul, Charley Hull, and Olivia Cowan all finished the second round tied for second, just two shots off the lead. Each of them has shown flashes of brilliance this season and, judging by their play in Maineville, they're ready to pounce if Wannasaen stumbles.
The drama wasn't confined to the top of the leaderboard. The second round was a showcase for both seasoned stars and emerging talents. Lexi Thompson, always a gallery favorite, teed off on the 5th hole, drawing a crowd eager to see her signature power and finesse. Jessica Porvasnik and her caddy prepared to tackle the 7th, while Robyn Choi meticulously measured the 7th green from the tee box, underscoring the strategic demands of TPC River's Bend.
Mariel Galdiano, Polly Mack, and Mary Liu all made their presence felt early in the day. Mack opened her round on the first hole, while Liu teed off from both the first and fifth holes. Liu, in particular, provided some of the day's most heartwarming moments. She celebrated birdie putts on the 2nd and 5th holes, her joy shared by her caddy Mary Beautell and the supportive Meyer family, who are hosting her for the week. The Meyer family could be seen cheering enthusiastically as Liu rolled in her birdie on the 5th, a testament to the close-knit atmosphere that often defines LPGA events.
"It means so much to have that kind of support out here," Liu said after her round, beaming as she acknowledged the cheers from the gallery. According to on-course sources, Liu's mother, Linn Liu, was also present, celebrating her daughter's birdie putt on the 6th hole. These moments remind everyone that golf is as much about community and connection as it is about competition.
Other notable performances included Peiyun Chien hitting a crisp approach from the first fairway and Olivia Cowan lining up a tricky putt on the first green before making her way to the 6th fairway, where she continued to impress. Charley Hull, meanwhile, found time to share a smile with a fan cheering her name, a small gesture that speaks volumes about the rapport between players and spectators at the Queen City Championship.
As the afternoon wore on, fans gathered around the fifth green, soaking in the action and the late-summer sunshine. Player host Dan Meyer was spotted walking along a path beside the course, a reminder of the behind-the-scenes efforts that make tournaments like this possible.
With the second round in the books, all eyes now turn to Saturday's third round, which promises even more excitement. The action is set to resume at 8:30 am ET, with Rio Takeda, Yealimi Noh, and Stephanie Kyriacou leading off from Hole 1. Over on the tenth tee, Elizabeth Szokol, A Lim Kim, and Jaravee Boonchant will get things underway simultaneously. The anticipation is palpable as the leading group—Wannasaen, Thitikul, and Hull—prepares to tee off last from Hole 1 at 10:42 am ET. Not to be outdone, Yan Liu and Patty Tavatanakit will begin their third round from the tenth hole at the same time.
The third round pairings are a who’s who of LPGA talent. On Hole 1, fans will see the likes of Lydia Ko, Hyo Joo Kim, Minjee Lee, and Nelly Korda, each hoping to make a move up the leaderboard. Other groups feature rising stars and established pros, including Andrea Lee, Perrine Delacour, Grace Kim, and Celine Boutier. Over on Hole 10, Lexi Thompson will join Hye-Jin Choi and Dewi Weber, while Stacy Lewis, Jenny Shin, and Emily Kristine Pedersen will look to make their mark as well.
For those who love to track every pairing, the detailed tee times offer plenty to dissect. Will a dark horse emerge from the early groups? Can someone from the middle of the pack catch fire and challenge the leaders? And, of course, can Wannasaen maintain her composure with a hungry field breathing down her neck?
There's no shortage of storylines to follow. The Queen City Championship is known for producing surprises, and with so many world-class players within striking distance, anything can happen. The course at TPC River's Bend has proven both fair and demanding, rewarding precision and punishing mistakes. That delicate balance is sure to keep players—and fans—on the edge of their seats as the weekend unfolds.
As the sun sets on another memorable day in Maineville, the sense of anticipation is unmistakable. The leaderboard is tight, the competition fierce, and the atmosphere electric. With two rounds still to play, the Kroger Queen City Championship remains wide open. Golf fans, buckle up—this one’s far from over.