The Principal Charity Classic is Iowa’s only PGA tournament that raises money for Children’s charities throughout the state. Last year there were 60,000 fans that attended the tournament to enjoy professional golf and all of the fan amenities. The event greatly contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in Central Iowa while bringing a strong field of professional PGA TOUR Champions players to Des Moines.
We talked with Skyler Hoth, Sales and Special Events Manager to learn more!
How did the Principal Charity Classic get started?
The tournament began in 2001 with Principal taking over as the title sponsor in 2007. As one of the marquee events in Des Moines, the Principal Charity Classic has won many awards over the years. The tournament was named the PGA Tour Champions Tournament of the Year in 2016 and has broken its own charitable record year after year.
Who benefits from the Principal Charity Classic?
The Principal Charity Classic raises money for over 100 children’s charities across the state including our four primary nonprofits: Blank Children’s Hospital, MercyOne Children’s Hospital, Variety, and United Way. Since 2007 the PCC has raised 45.6 million dollars and counting.
Along with our Tournament Charity Partners, registered Birdies For Charity organizations benefit from funds raised through the Principal Charity Classic. The Birdies For Charity program is a matching fund program that benefits children in Iowa. Organizations receive every penny they raise, and up to a 10% match on every donation up to $10,000 in total matching funds.
Where does the Principal Charity Classic take place?
The PCC takes place at Wakonda Club located on Fleur Drive in Des Moines. The tournament course has a par of 72 and an estimated total yardage of 6,833 yards.
Who are some of the big names that might be playing in the tournament?
We are currently working through the player field but some of the notable names that have played in this tournament are John Daly, Freddy Couples, Jim Furyk, and Vijay Singh
What are some things you are looking forward to for this year’s tournament?
I am very excited to showcase our new fan village making this a can’t-miss event to kick off the summer and continuing to raise money for the amazing charities we work with! This year the Principal Charity Classic’s spectator guide will be completely digital eliminating 70,000 printed brochures. Last year we also switched to digital tickets and parking passes. Not only does this help us eliminate waste but gives our fans easy access to transfer and scan their tickets. These are a few steps that we are taking as we are working very hard to shoot for green and become Geo Certified by 2024 and 100 percent sustainable.
Des Moines, IA. – June 4: During the second round for the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club on June 4, 2022 in Des Moines, IA. (Photo by Stan Badz Photography / FCC)
Des Moines, IA. – June 2: During the first round for the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club on June 3, 2022 in Des Moines, IA. (Photo by Stan Badz Photography / FCC)
Des Moines, IA. – June 2: During the first round for the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club on June 3, 2022 in Des Moines, IA. (Photo by Stan Badz Photography / FCC)
How can I attend?
You can purchase tickets and VIP rentals by visiting our website or contacting me at skyler@
How can I get involved?
It takes more than 1,000 volunteers to put this event on. If interested in volunteering, please reach out by email to Karena at karena@
