LPGA Tour: Nelly Korda, Leona Maguire start strongly in first event since Solheim Cup as Ashleigh Buhai leads

Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa set the early pace at the Kroger Queen City Championship with a stellar opening-round 65, securing a one-shot lead over Jeeno Thitikul and Yan Liu. Buhai’s performance, which included eight birdies and only one bogey, places her at the top, while Nelly Korda and Leona Maguire sit two strokes behind after carding 67s in their first event since the Solheim Cup.

Both Korda and Maguire, along with Lydia Ko and others, are tied for fourth place, keeping them well within striking distance of the lead. Korda, coming off a standout performance at the Solheim Cup where she won three of four matches, remains focused despite the lingering fatigue from last week’s tournament.

Korda expressed her determination to push through the exhaustion, aiming for her seventh LPGA Tour title of the season. Similarly, Maguire used the frustration of limited playing time at the Solheim Cup as fuel for her strong start in Ohio.

She noted the importance of being kinder to herself and finding more enjoyment in her game. With both players off to a solid start, the competition at TPC River’s Bend promises an exciting weekend, as fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Golf or stream it on NOW.