Former Ohio college teammates reuniting at LPGA's Queen City event

On Thursday morning, the former teammates walked Maketewah once again in the 9:16 a.m. tee time along with Thailand's Suvichaya Vinijchaitham in a full-circle moment with added grandstands, television towers and surrounding LPGA galleries. McMyler finished the opening round at even par, while her former teammate finished at 8 over.

"It's kind of a cool feel where I get to come back to a course that I'm familiar with," McMyler said. "It's awesome to be back in Cincinnati, and I'm excited to feel the hometown crowd in a way."

McMyler, like Cincinnati native (Kings High School) Alexandra Swayne, knows Maketewah better than most players in the field. During her decorated collegiate career, she became one of the Big East's most accomplished players, winning the league's Golfer of the Year award three consecutive seasons (2021-2023). She also captured individual medalist honors in 2021.

That familiarity could become an advantage this week on a new stop on the LPGA Tour that has been called challenging by the likes of the game's top players this week.

"I've walked this course many times," McMyler said. "I know coming in it was going to be a hilly walk and you have to prepare yourself mentally for that. I think it's advantageous to know the ins and outs of that course, but you still have to go out there and execute the shots you're trying to hit."

Xavier senior Madison Reemsnyder will make her LPGA debut at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G at Maketewah Country Club.

Sustaining her execution and comfort level is what McMyler is aiming for as she manages the ups and downs of being a rookie on the tour. She earned her spot in the winter and has made three cuts in her first five events as a rookie.

"You have this big dream of playing out here on the LPGA Tour, and when you get out here you're like, 'OK, now I need to perform," she said.

Being back at Maketewah makes some of the pressure feel lighter.

"In a way, yes," McMyler said when asked if his was the most comfortable she has felt just before a tournament a few months into her rookie season. "Knowing the course kind of eases that comfortability a little bit, so I'm coming into this event feeling confident and comfortable."

Adding to that is the shared experience with a former teammate and friend making her own leap onto the professional stage. Before the week began, McMyler offered Reemsnyder some advice from a pro.

"Just knowing that she's good enough to play out here and just trust her game," McMyler said. "Just enjoy the moment."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Xavier teammates reunite at LPGA Queen City Championship