DES MOINES, Iowa — We’re less than two weeks away from the start of the biggest golf weekend of the year in Central Iowa: the Principal Charity Classic. 

Preparations started at Wakonda Club in Des Moines at the end of April, so they’ve been getting ready for about two and a half weeks and are way ahead of schedule. They’ve been working on building the grandstands and tents. 

The Principal Charity Classic action begins May 28 and then the first round starts on Friday and goes through that Sunday, June 1. 

The tournament will feature some of the best senior golfers in the world, part of the PGA Tour Champions. The course was newly renovated last year, so this year the players will be a little more familiar with it.

This is a community event for Des Moines and Iowa, benefiting Iowa children’s charities. Since 2007, $62 million has been raised in support of Iowa youth. Each year it impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth in philanthropic areas. 

Last year, they raised over $8 million from the tournament. Do they think they can top that this year?

“We do, we really do. All of our sponsors and corporate partners really help bring this all together. Our four charity partners are MercyOne, Blank Children’s Hospital, Variety and United Way. Fans who come out to the tournament are supporting all of those groups. Every ticket sold, beverage purchased, go to the Principal Charity Classic,” the Tournament Director Alex McCarty said.

“I think it’s the biggest thing, is it’s a community event,” Wakonda Club Director of Golf Aaron Krueger said. “So, it’s a great golf tournament. We always have really good championship golf,  Hall of Fame players with Ernie Els winning last year. But the community comes out and supports it. And so when you open up to the community, it’s just a big event feel. It’s also the charitable side for the kids and the money. They raised $8 million last year. They’re looking to exceed that this year. It’s a very special thing to be a part of.”

Some logistics for the tournament: You can park in the downtown surface lots by 8th and Crocker streets for free, and they have a free shuttle at that spot to take you five minutes south to Wakonda Club. You can also Uber and bike. 

It is a cashless tournament. You can buy tickets at the door or buy them online. They start are $25. To learn more visit the Principal Charity Classic website.

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