Wakonda Club prepares for Principal Charity Classic
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.
'Cop on a Rooftop' event raises money for Special Olympics Iowa
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.
Iowa News:
ISU President Wintersteen retires after 40 years with the school
Why has it been so windy in Iowa?
Get ready for a cool down this weekend in Iowa
Judge OKs Iowa limits on K-6 gender identity, sexual orientation teaching but not elective programs
Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen to retire
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
8 hours ago
- USA Today
Steve Stricker's PGA Tour Champions event has a new golf course and new team format
Steve Stricker's PGA Tour Champions event has a new golf course and new team format Show Caption Hide Caption Drone view of Erin Hills Golf, the site of the 2025 U.S. Women's Open Check out a drone view of Erin Hills Golf Course, the site of the 2025 U.S. Women's Open May 29-June 1 Wisconsin might not have any more major tournaments on the horizon after the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills, but there is still some high-level golf coming to the state. That includes the American Family Insurance Championship, the annual stop on the PGA Tour Champions circuit hosted by state legend Steve Stricker, which runs this weekend in Madison. But there is a lot different about the tournament this year. Here's what to know: When is the 2025 AmFam Championship? June 6-8. What course is hosting the AmFam Championship? Here's a big change. After being at University Ridge for its first eight years, the tournament is moving to TPC Wisconsin, a course that was co-designed by Stricker. What is the format this year? Also a big change. For the first time in a Champions tour event, there will be a team format. The field has 38 two-man teams. Friday and Sunday will be a best-ball competitio s, switching to a scramble in the second round on Saturday. Are Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker playing again this year? You betcha. The two most prominent pro golfers from Wisconsin are in the field, but they aren't paired together. Kelly will play with Justin Leonard, while Stricker's partner is brother-in-law Mario Tiziani. Who's leading the 2025 AmFam Championship? The duo of Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke teamed up for a12-under 59 on Friday and lead by two over the Aussie duo of Richard Green and Mark Hensby. Stricker and Tiziani are tied for ninth after a 7-under 64. What is the prize money? The purse is $3 million. The winning team will share $600,000. Will the tournament be on TV? Yes, the Golf Channel will broadcast all three rounds, though on tape delay in the evenings. June 6: 6-8 p.m. 6-8 p.m. June 7: 7-9 p.m. 7-9 p.m. June 8: 7-9 p.m. Who are the other famous golfers? John Daly? Ernie Els? Fred Couples? Yes, perennial crowd favorite John Daly will be in Madison. Els and Couples will be, too. They are among five former No. 1 golfers in the world in the field, along with Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh and David Duval. Has Steve Stricker ever won his own event? Yes, after several near-misses, Stricker broke through in 2023. Kelly won back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2021 (there was no 2020 event because of the COVID-19 pandemic). Els won last year in a thrilling playoff with Stricker. Other past winners include Thongchai Jaidee (2022), Scott McCarron (2018), Couples (2017) and Kirk Triplett (2016). Who is in the celebrity foursome this year? Two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North will be joined in the annual celebrity foursome by Hall of Famer and former Green Bay Packers great Charles Woodson, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion Mia Hamm and 2020 NFL rookie of the year Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. The quartet will play a nine-hole exhibition beginning about 2 p.m. on Satuday off the first tee following the final groups of the PGA Tour Champions
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
How to Watch the French Open Live Online
Variety and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. The French Open is in full swing at Roland-Garros, and for tennis fans in the U.S., this year marks a new era in how to watch the iconic Grand Slam. For the first time, TNT Sports is broadcasting the tournament under a new 10-year deal that brings coverage to TNT, TBS, and truTV, alongside streaming via Max. Advertisement More from Variety But one of the best ways for cord-cutters to stream the action live online is on Sling TV — one of the easiest and most affordable live TV streamers on the market. Plus, the streamer is currently half off for the first month with this limited-time promo. $23 $46 50% off STREAM THE FRENCH OPEN ON SLING TV The tournament, which runs through June 9, is now in its high-stakes quarterfinal phase. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek have both advanced into the second week, joined by contenders like Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. With the clay-court drama heating up, now's the time to make sure you're set up to stream the rest of the tournament from anywhere. Advertisement To watch the French Open on Sling, you'll want the Sling Blue package, which includes both TNT and truTV — the key channels airing daily matches. Sling Blue starts at $45/month, but the service is currently offering a free trial for new users. You can stream directly on your TV, laptop, tablet, or phone, making it a flexible option whether you're home or on the go. For full-court access — including every singles and doubles match across all 16 courts — add Max to your subscription. Max is offering comprehensive coverage this year, with a 'multiview' feature that allows you to watch up to four matches simultaneously. The streaming platform is available as an add-on to Sling or as a standalone subscription starting at $9.99/month, with higher tiers available for ad-free viewing and better video quality. MAX ADD-ON SLING Right now, TNT is broadcasting the men's and women's quarterfinals, while truTV carries additional live coverage and studio shows like 'The Rally at Roland-Garros,' featuring commentary from tennis legends like Tracy Austin and Jim Courier. The singles finals — scheduled for June 8 and 9 — will also air live on TNT, with full simulcast on Max. Advertisement If you're traveling or don't have access to cable, Sling's streamlined interface makes it one of the easiest ways to keep up with the French Open. Just sign up, tune into TNT or truTV, or launch Max from your device, and enjoy the thrill of Grand Slam tennis — no courtside ticket required. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Iowa veteran passes halfway point on Appalachian Trail
WHO 13 NEWS — Iowa veteran Joedy VanValzen is officially halfway done hiking the Appalachian Trail. He cruised past the mental halfway point in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia a couple weeks ago. Last week, he completed 1,100 miles and made it to Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania, the actual physical halfway point. Celebrated comedian bringing 2025 tour to Des Moines this fall VanVelzen took a few days off from the trail when his wife, Deb, came to visit him so he could rest and be ready to go for the second half of the journey. She brought him a new pair of shoes, his fourth pair on the trail. Photos posted to his Facebook page, On the Appalachian Trail with Joedy, show VanVelzen's break was fueled by sweet treats, juicy burgers, and cold beverages. He was back to hiking through the southern part of Pennsylvania on Sunday, June 1. Back in March, VanVelzen started the nearly 2,200-mile expedition in Georgia. He has fewer than 1,100 miles to go until the end of the trail in Maine. Iowa News: Julie Stauch announces run for Iowa governor Iowa veteran passes halfway point on Appalachian Trail Newton nonprofit holds fundraiser to install safe haven baby box Storms move in, along with cooler air Miguel Angel Jimenez wins playoff in Iowa for 3rd PGA Tour Champions victory of the year Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
