Maketewah Country Club has quickly proven to be a formidable test for the LPGA's elite at the Kroger Queen City Championship, presenting a dramatic shift from the event's previous venue.

After two years of warm-weather, low-scoring action at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, the tournament moved this season to the historic Maketewah Country Club—a classic Donald Ross design that demands precision and patience. The change was immediately evident in the opening round scores.

Last September at River's Bend, 92 players finished the first round under par, with seven golfers shooting 6-under or better, including a 9-under round that tied the tournament record. This year at Maketewah? Just 27 players broke par on Thursday, with nobody going lower than 4-under. Three golfers shared the clubhouse lead at that mark.

"It's a super hard golf course," said first-round co-leader Chella Choi after posting a 66.

The sentiment echoed across a windy, brisk opening day where thick rough, firm fairways, and tricky pin placements on Maketewah's undulating poa annua greens kept even the world's best in check.

"It's hard to hit the fairway," added Lilia Vu, who opened with a 67. "Sometimes, you just need a little bit of luck out there."

The venue and calendar change have transformed the championship from a birdie fest into a survival test. Players repeatedly noted the course's unique topography and tricky sightlines as major adjustments, with blind angles, sidehill lies, and dramatic elevation changes forcing creative shot-making.

"The front and back nine feel like two completely different golf courses," said Lydia Ko, who won this event at River's Bend in 2024. Ko opened with a solid 68, proving that adaptability is key on this demanding layout.

For fans and players alike, Maketewah is delivering a true championship test—one that rewards strategy, resilience, and a steady hand under pressure.