2024 Principal Charity Classic raised record $8.6 million for Iowa youth

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2024 Principal Charity Classic junior clinic hosted at Wakonda Club, offering kids the chance to learn hands on skills with PGA TOUR Champions professional Thomas Levet, as well as interact with local sports teams including the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves and Iowa Wild. (Principal Charity Classic)

More than $62 million raised since 2007

Written by Staff @ChampionsTour

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Principal Charity Classic announced Thursday its 2024 tournament raised a record $8.6 million in support of Iowa youth. The annual PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines, Iowa, has now raised $62 million for Iowa children's charities since Principal Financial Group became the title sponsor in 2007.

"2024 was an exciting and successful year for the Principal Charity Classic. The renovation of the course made for great golf featuring world-class talent," said Ken McCullum, board chair for the Principal Charity Classic. "Hitting the $62 million charitable giving milestone is a testament to what can be accomplished when the community comes together."

The Principal Charity Classic impacts the lives of more than 130,000 Iowa youth each year by investing in programs that help youth succeed within the areas of education, culture, financial security, and health and wellness. Tournament proceeds provide support to four tournament charity partners, more than 80 Birdies For Charity nonprofits and the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective.

Principal Charity Classic champion Ernie Els receives trophy at closing ceremony with Dan Houston, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Principal Financial Group. (Courtesy Principal Charity Classic)

Boo Weekley signs autographs for Principal Charity Classic tournament charity partner youth champions on the driving range of Wakonda Club. (Principal Charity Classic)

Dan Houston, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Principal Financial Group®, and wife Joanie Houston, pose with Principal Charity Classic tournament charity partner youth champions following opening ceremonies at Wakonda Club. (Principal Charity Classic)

"At its core, Principal Charity Classic is about more than golf, it is about supporting the next generation of Iowans. Every year, the incredible support from our fans, sponsors, and volunteers embodies the tournament's true spirit and this collective effort shows how much we can achieve together for the benefit of Iowa's youth," said Jo Christine Miles, director of Principal Community Relations, Principal Foundation and Principal Charity Classic charitable purpose committee chair. "We deeply appreciate everyone who makes this event and the impact it has possible.

Over 50,000 attendees, 250 sponsors, and 1,100 volunteers were a part of the 2024 Principal Charity Classic, hosted at the newly renovated Wakonda Club. This year's tournament saw one of its strongest and most entertaining fields, featuring eight past champions and six World Golf Hall of Fame members, including 2024 champion Ernie Els.