Ernie Els wins first PGA Tour Champions win at the Principal Charity Classic for 2024
Hear from Ernie Els after his Principal Charity Classic win, his first PGA Tour Champions victory of the season and his first championship win in Des Moines.
The professional competition portion of the 2025 Principal Charity Classic golf tournament tees off on Friday, May 30.
The annual event, held at the Wakonda Club on the south side of Des Moines since 2007, has raised nearly $62 million for child-focused charities like Blank Children’s Hospital, MercyOne Children’s Hospital, Variety-Iowa and United Way of Central Iowa.
Ernie Els is the defending champion from 2024. He broke the tournament record by scoring a total of 195 across the three-day competition.
Here’s what you need to know about how to buy tickets and watch the event this weekend:
When is the 2025 Principal Charity Classic?
The Pro-Am portion of the event began on Wednesday, May 28, and concluded on Thursday, May 29.
The professional competition portion runs Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1. Play begins at 9:30 a.m. CT on May 30 and at 9:50 a.m. CT on the other two days.
Where is the 2025 Principal Charity Classic?
The event is held at the Wakonda Club in south Des Moines.
How to buy tickets to the 2025 Principal Charity Classic
Tickets can be purchased from the official website here.
Kids ages 15 or younger are admitted free.
Regular passes are $30 per day during tournament week.
You can also purchase special ticket packages, like the $160 trophy club or $100 Good Any Day pack, that provide added spectator benefits.
Where to watch the 2025 Principal Charity Classic
- Friday: 8-10 p.m. (Golf Channel)
- Saturday: 6-8 p.m. (Golf Channel)
- Sunday: 1:30-4:30 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Principal Charity Classic parking information
According to the tournament website, free parking for the general public, ADA and volunteers will be available Wednesday – Sunday in the surface lots located in downtown Des Moines, north of Principal’s corporate campus at 830 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
A complimentary shuttle directly to the Wakonda Club and the tournament’s main entrance will be provided.
Who is playing in the 2025 Principal Charity Classic?
The full 78-player field can be found here.
How much money does the winner of the Principal Charity Classic get paid?
According to PGATour.com, the total purse is $2 million, with the winner receiving $300,000.
Principal Charity Classic records
Information courtesy of PGATour.com.
- 18-Hole score: 62, three times (last: Ernie Els, Round 1, 2024)
- 36-Hole score: 129, Scott Parel (2019)
- 54-Hole score: 195, Ernie Els (2024)
Read the full article here
