Principal Charity Classic
PRINCIPAL CHARITY CLASSIC AT WAKONDA CLUB
Monday, June 8 – Sunday, June 14
We are honored to host the Principal Charity Classic (PCC), a PGA Tour Champions golf event. We have had some wonderful finishes and this year’s field is stacking up to be the best yet as Principal Financial Group celebrates their 20th anniversary as the title sponsor. In 2025, the Principal Charity Classic raised $10.6 million for local youth. This brings the charitable total to more than $73 million since 2007.
The Principal Charity Classic was awarded the prestigious 2024 President’s Award from the PGA Tour Champions. This is the second time the PCC has won this award (2016), and the award was based on:
· Principal executives on the tournament board and committees are active year-round, working in lockstep with an engaged tournament team. This partnership between title and tournament saw Principal as one of the finalists for the Best Title Sponsor Integration.
· Driven by their Birdies for Charity Program, the Principal Charity Classic raised a record $8.66 million in 2024, benefiting over 130,000 children in Iowa. Since inception in 2007, the PCC has raised over $62 million in charitable giving for the region.
· The Principal Charity Classic is warmly embraced by the Des Moines community, with more than 1,100 volunteers supporting the tournament, over a third of whom are Principal employees. The community support can be seen in the fan attendance, ranking among the best on PGA TOUR Champions.
· A newly designed entrance featuring a ‘Sustainability Grove’ highlighted the tournament’s goal of reducing emissions and achieving net-zero status. Initiatives like the “Pedal to the PCC” campaign, which encourages fans to bicycle to the event, are part of this eco-friendly effort.
· A partner-focused tournament team, supported by community leaders on the Tournament Board, provided for another strong revenue performance.
· The tournament’s attention to hospitality, as well as a recent golf course renovation at the Wakonda Club, ranked the event as one of the year’s favorites by Players and Caddies.
As the 2026 PCC draws near, check Wakonda Club’s website and the Principal Charity Classic’s website, for the best information. As hosts of the event, we truly hope that our members have a fantastic experience. There are many opportunities to be involved with the event including: sponsorship, volunteering, attending the event and visiting the Wakonda Member Hospitality Tent behind #15 green.
This is a community event that has provided massive charitable dollars to youth in the Des Moines and Central Iowa areas.
Principal Charity Classic Event Statistics
Tournament Course Yardage: 6,848
Format: 54-hole stroke-play competition; no cut
Field: 78 Champions Tour Players
Purse: $2,000,000
Total Event Volunteers: 1,100
Local Economic Impact: Estimated at $23 million
Total 2025 Attendance: 59,000+
2025 Charitable Contributions: $10.6 million
Total Charitable Contributions: $73+ million
PGA Tour Major Winners : 14
PGA Tour Champions Major Winners: 20
PGA Tour Winners: 51
Combined PGA Tour Titles: 288
PGA Tour Champions Winners: 46
Combined PGA Tour Champions Titles: 256
World Golf Hall of Famers: 8
Principal Charity Classic Champions
2025: Miguel Angel Jimeniz
2024: Ernie Els (shot 62 in the first round)
2023: Stephen Ames
2022: Jerry Kelly
2021: Stephen Ames
2020: COVID-19
2019: Kevin Sutherland
2018: Tom Lehman
2017: Brandt Jobe
2016: Scott McCarron
2015: Mark Calcavecchia
2014: Tom Pernice, Jr.
2013: Russ Cochran
An annual community celebration, hosted by Wakonda Club, that generates FUNDS FOR iOWA CHILDREN'S CHARITIES
| 2025 principal charity classic raised record $10.6 million for iowa youth more than $73 million raised since 2007 |
Release: August 7, 2025
Media Contact: Karena Ries, karena@principalcharityclassic.com, 641-745-7853
(DES MOINES, Iowa) - The Principal Charity Classic today announced the 2025 tournament raised a record $10.6 million in support of Iowa youth. The annual PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines has raised more than $73 million for Iowa children's charities since Principal Financial Group became the title sponsor in 2007.
"This year's record-breaking achievement demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our community to support Iowa youth," said Ken McCullum, board chair for the Principal Charity Classic. "Next year marks the 20th anniversary of Principal as title sponsor, and it is inspiring to see the positive community impact of the Principal Charity Classic continue to grow."
The Principal Charity Classic impacts the lives of more than 130,000 Iowa youth annually by investing in programs that help youth succeed in education, culture, financial security, career planning, and health and wellness. Tournament proceeds support four Tournament Charity Partners, more than 100 Birdies For Charity nonprofits, and the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective.
"Every volunteer, sponsor, and attendee helps advance our mission. The continued growth in charitable giving reflects how deeply our commitment to supporting Iowa's youth resonates. Together, we're driving meaningful, lasting change for the next generation." said Jo Christine Miles, director of Principal Foundation and Community Relations.
The 2025 Principal Charity Classic, held at the Wakonda Club, attracted over 55,000 attendees, 215 sponsors, and 1,100 volunteers. The 2025 player field boasted eight past champions and eight World Golf Hall of Famers. Miguel Angel Jimenez emerged as the 2025 Champion after a tight three-day battle on the course and a playoff at the finish. This was his third PGA TOUR Champions victory of the year.
The 2026 Principal Charity Classic will be held June 10-14, 2026, at the Wakonda Club.
About the Principal Charity Classic
The Principal Charity Classic is an annual PGA TOUR Champions event dedicated to investing in the future of Iowa kids. Since 2007, the tournament has raised over $73 million for Iowa children's charities, including a record-breaking $10.6 million in 2025 alone. Funds benefit organizations focused on education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness for Iowa youth. Recognized as the 2024 PGA TOUR Champions President's Award winner, the Principal Charity Classic was proud to be selected Tournament of the Year.
About Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group is a global financial company with approximately 20,000 employees passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 146 years, we're helping over 70 million customers plan, insure, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business and building an inclusive workforce. Principal is proud to be recognized as one of the 2025 World's Most Ethical Companies and named as a Best Places to Work in Money Management. Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com.
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