DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Principal Charity Classic today announced its 2022 tournament raised more than $8.2 million in support of Iowa children’s charities, surpassing the event’s previous record of $7.3 million set in 2021. The annual PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines has now raised more than $45.6 million for Iowa children’s charities since Principal Financial Group^® became the title sponsor in 2007. Watch the 2022 recap video here.

“We continue to see overwhelming generosity from our sponsors, volunteers, and spectators,” said Dan Houston, chairman, president, and chief executive officer at Principal^®. “The impact of this year’s tournament will have a lasting effect on young people in Iowa. In addition to world class golf, my favorite part of the tournament every year is meeting some of the children who benefit from this wonderful community event. I am so proud we have this opportunity to support the efforts of our charity partners.”

The Principal Charity Classic impacts the lives of more than 130,000 Iowa children in the areas of education, health, and arts and culture. Tournament proceeds provide support to four Tournament Charity Partners in the Des Moines area: Blank Children’s Hospital, MercyOne Children’s Hospital, the United Way of Central Iowa, and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa. Additionally, the event’s Birdies For Charity program supports nearly 90 non-profits throughout the state of Iowa.

“This record-breaking donation is a true testament to the Des Moines community and our local and regional corporate communities and golf fans,” said Ken McCullum, board chair for the Principal Charity Classic. “This year we were thrilled to welcome fans back to the Wakonda Club where over 58,000 fans filled galleries and enjoyed state-of-the-art hospitality venues, and an exciting week-long schedule of events that helped drive the charitable efforts.”

This year’s tournament provided another dramatic finish, with Jerry Kelly defeating Kirk Triplett in a sudden-death playoff on the 18^th hole. The win was Kelly’s second victory of the 2022 PGA Tour Champions season.

New tournament sustainability initiative announced

Just in time for Sustainable Golf Week, which kicks off on October 3rd, the Principal Charity Classic is also announcing its effort to work toward obtaining Golf Environment Organization (GEO) tournament certification. “GEO Certified” is a comprehensive modern certification, developed to the highest credibility standard, to help golf facilities, developments, and tournaments demonstrate and be recognized for their environmental and social responsibility.

“Principal Charity Classic organizers engaged a sustainability consultant to provide year-round support to create zero-waste practices, promote civic and corporate stakeholder engagement, and perform a comprehensive tournament sustainability audit,” said McCullum. “The next step is to develop an action plan to capture sustainability metrics going forward to advance these efforts.”

The 2023 Principal Charity Classic tournament will take place June 1–4, 2023, at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. Visit principalcharityclassic.com to learn more about the Principal Charity Classic or to make a donation in support of the tournament’s year-round charitable giving efforts.

About the Principal Charity Classic

The Principal Charity Classic is an annual and award-winning PGA TOUR Champions event dedicated to investing in the future of Iowa kids. In 2022, the Principal Charity Classic raised a record $8.2 million for charity, bringing the tournament’s giving total to more than $45.6 million since 2007. Tournament funds benefit organizations that provide a broad level of support to Iowa kids in the areas of education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness.

For more information, visit principalcharityclassic.com, or connect with the tournament on social media: Facebook facebook.com/principalcharityclassic, Twitter @PCCTourney, and Instagram @principalcharityclassic.

About PGA TOUR Champions

PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, or on social media: Facebook facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, Twitter @ChampionsTour, and Instagram @pgatourchampions.

About Principal Financial Group^®

Principal Financial Group^® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 18,500 employees¹ passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for more than 140 years, we’re helping more than 54 million customers¹ plan, protect, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal^® is proud to be recognized as one of America’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies², a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and a Top 10 “Best Places to Work in Money Management³.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com.

1 As of June 30, 2022
2 Barron’s, 2022
3 Pensions & Investments, 2021

Unless otherwise noted, companies and organizations mentioned are not affiliates of any member company of the Principal Financial Group^®.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company^®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Principal community relations supports the communities where affiliates of the Principal Financial Group^®, Des Moines, IA 50392 operates. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group^®, Des Moines, IA 50392. ©2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc.