What Every Golf Fan Should Know About Attending a Professional Golf Tournament
This week in Cincinnati, the LPGA Kroger Queen City Championship Presented by P&G is happening September 8-14, 2025 at TPC River's Bend, and let me tell you - there's something absolutely magical about watching professional women golfers up close that will leave you completely inspired, whether you're a seasoned player or someone who's never held a golf club.
I've been to this tournament before, and watching these incredibly skilled athletes hit shots with such precision and power is jaw-dropping. But here's what I really want you to know: attending a professional golf tournament isn't just about the golf. It's about the entire experience, and whether you're local to Cincinnati or considering traveling to see an LPGA or PGA tournament near you, this guide will help you make the most of your day.
Why You Should Experience Professional Golf in Person
Television doesn't do justice to the skill level of these players. When you see an LPGA pro hit a 7-iron from 150 yards and watch that ball land softly on the green within feet of the pin, you'll understand what true precision looks like. Even if you're still working on consistently hitting the ball forward (we've all been there!), you'll walk away feeling inspired about what's possible in this game we love.
Plus, the atmosphere at LPGA events is incredibly welcoming. These tournaments celebrate women in sports, and you'll feel that energy throughout the entire venue. Enjoy the community activations throughout the golf course. Hit the merch tent for a keepsake. Take a peek inside the clubhouse if you can - many tournaments are played at exclusive championship level golf courses.
Getting Your Tickets & What to Expect
General admission tickets are available at the website for $25 per day, and here's something fantastic - kids 17 and under get in FREE with a ticketed adult. If you're thinking about bringing the family, Saturday September 13th is Junior Day, sponsored by Venus and Gillette, where ALL children get in free AND receive some freebies at the door (while supplies last).
The tournament runs Thursday through Sunday, with Thursday and Friday being the quieter days (perfect if you want a more relaxed experience) and Saturday and Sunday drawing the biggest crowds as the leaders battle it out.
The Smart Way to Plan Your Day
Parking & Arrival: Like most major tournaments, there's off-site parking with shuttle service. Check the tournament's parking page for details, but plan for about 30 extra minutes between parking, shuttling, and walking to the entrance. Trust me, you don't want to feel rushed when you're trying to soak in the whole experience.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen! Also bring comfortable walking shoes (this is NOT the time for fashionable heels or any shoes that might rub or give you blisters - you'll be doing lots of walking!), a hat, and water bottle. Check the spectator guidelines for the complete bag policy before you head out.
Two Strategies for Watching Golf Like a Pro
Here's something most first-time tournament attendees don't know - there are two main ways to spectate, and your choice will completely change your experience:
Option 1: Pick Your Spot Choose one hole (I recommend a green or tee box with good viewing areas) and watch as group after group comes through. The advantage? You'll see tons of different players and get a feel for how each one approaches the same shot. The downside? You only see them play one hole.
Option 2: Follow a Group Pick a specific group of players and follow them for several holes. You'll be walking most of the time, but you'll see how they handle different situations and course conditions.
My recommendation? Do a mix of both! Start by following an exciting group for 3-4 holes, then find a comfortable spot at a scenic hole and let the players come to you.
The Fan Experience Activities You Don't Want to Miss
Each pro golf tournament has its own community activations, involving local companies, clubs and community organizations. Spectator information about these community activations for the week will be on the tournament website through the PGA or LPGA. This year's fan activations at the Kroger Queen City LPGA Championship are absolutely perfect for golfers of all levels:
Kroger Freshest Putt Challenge: Try to sink a 30-foot putt and win Kroger gift cards. Even if you're still working on your putting, this is such a fun way to test your skills!
Beauty on the Green: Herbal Essences, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Aussie and Olay are offering product giveaways and there's even a braid bar. Because let's be honest - looking good while you're learning golf never hurts.
Secret Autograph Alley: Bring something to be signed! Whether it's a golf ball, visor, or program, getting an autograph from an LPGA pro is a memory you'll treasure. These women are incredibly gracious with their fans.
Olay Body Public Viewing Deck: This free viewing area overlooks hole 7, which is TPC River's Bend's signature hole. Perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots with the gorgeous course in the background.
Family-Friendly Features: The Pampers Family Center offers a private nursing station and indoor play space, with additional changing stations at holes 3 and 10. Golf tournaments can be amazing family experiences when you're prepared.
Players to Watch (And Why You Should Care)
Some incredible names are coming to Cincinnati this year. Eight of the top 10 and 16 of the top 20 players in the world will tee it up at the Championship. Even if you're new to following professional golf, these players will give you chills:
Defending Champion from 2024 Lydia Ko. Other serious contenders include No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, No. 2 Nelly Korda, and 2023 champion Minjee Lee
Rising stars who represent the future of women's golf - rookie phenom Lottie Woad
Fan favorites known for their incredible skills and engaging personalities - Charlie Hull, Lexi Thompson and Lilia Vu
Pro tip: Grab a pairings sheet when you enter the tournament grounds. It shows you which players are in which groups and their tee times, so you can plan your day around seeing your favorites.
Making Memories That Matter
Here's what I wish someone had told me before my first tournament: Don't be so focused on seeing every shot that you forget to enjoy the experience. Take that selfie with the beautiful course in the background. Visit the merchandise tent and buy something special to remember the day. Chat with other spectators - golf fans are some of the friendliest people you'll meet.
And yes, buy the tournament gear! I still have the LPGA sweatshirts I bought my kids two years ago at this tournament, and they live in them. It's not just merchandise - it's a memory.
Beyond Cincinnati: Finding Tournaments Near You
If you're not local to Cincinnati but this post has you excited about experiencing professional golf in person, you're in luck. The complete LPGA tour schedule shows tournaments happening across the country throughout the season.
PGA Tour events are equally exciting and happen even more frequently in different markets. The energy, the skill level, and the fan experience at any professional golf tournament will inspire your own game and give you stories to share for years.
Pro tip for beginners: Attending a professional tournament is actually one of the best golf education experiences you can have. You'll see proper course etiquette in action, observe how pros handle challenging situations, and get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the game. It's like a masterclass in golf that happens to be incredibly entertaining.
Your Tournament Game Plan
Whether you're attending the Kroger Queen City LPGA Championship or planning to visit a tournament near you, here's your action plan:
Buy tickets in advance - General admission is affordable and gives you access to most of the course
Check the weather and dress accordingly (layers are your friend)
Download the tournament app if available for live scoring and course maps. Check the tournament website to understand what you can bring - know the bag policy, and if you can carry in a camping chair with you or not.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and get settled, and pick up a pairing guide detailing the tee times of your favorite golfers
Bring cash for concessions and merchandise, although many tournaments elect for cashless transactions, like the Kroger Queen City LPGA Championship
Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed
Be present - put the phone down sometimes and just enjoy watching incredible golf
The Bottom Line
Attending a professional golf tournament isn't just about watching great golf (though you absolutely will). It's about being part of something bigger, experiencing the highest level of the sport we're all learning to love, and creating memories that will fuel your own golf journey.
Whether you're a complete beginner who's still figuring out the names of each golf club, or an intermediate player working on breaking 100, seeing these pros in action will remind you why you fell in love with golf in the first place.
And who knows? You might just walk away with a new favorite player, a clearer understanding of course strategy, and the kind of inspiration that makes you want to book a lesson or hit the driving range as soon as you get home.
The 2025 LPGA Kroger Queen City Championship runs September 8-14 at TPC River's Bend. Whether you're cheering from Cincinnati or planning your own tournament adventure, I hope you get to experience the magic of professional golf in person soon.
You can watch the 2025 Kroger Queen City LPGA Championship on the NBC Sports app, golfchannel.com, and Peacock. You can also find the latest updates and access the event on LPGA.com and through mobile devices via the NBC Sports app.
Have you been to a professional golf tournament? What was your favorite part of the experience? Email me and let me know - I love hearing your golf stories!
Want more golf inspiration and practical tips for women? Check out my free resources including the Beginner Golf Guide & Checklist, Driving Range Guide & Practice Plan, and Before You Say Yes: A Pre-Golf Event Guide for Professional Women
