AND BERNHARD LANGER THAT GOLF FANS DEFINITELY ARE FAMILIAR WITH. BUT AS WE MENTIONED, THE BIG BUZZ IS ABOUT ZACH JOHNSON, THE MASTERS CHAMP, THE BRITISH CHAMP. HE IS BACK AND I GOT TO TALK TO HIM ONE ON ONE TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HAVE THIS FULL CIRCLE MOMENT AND ALSO BE A ROOKIE ON THE TOUR. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A PART OF THE CHAMPIONS TOUR? YOU KNOW, I DON’T WANT TO SAY THE OLD GUYS, BUT NOW THAT YOU CAN SAY IT, YOU CAN SAY IT. NOW THAT YOU’RE 50 AS A PART OF THE CHAMPIONS TOUR IS A LITTLE BIT OF A MENTAL ADJUSTMENT, OR HOW DO YOU VIEW THAT? NO OPPORTUNITY. IT’S AMAZING. HAVE SOME EXPECTATIONS, BUT REALLY YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. AND EVERYTHING THAT I’VE ENCOUNTERED, EVERYTHING I’VE EXPERIENCED HAS BEEN VERY WELCOMED. OBVIOUSLY COMPETITIVELY. THAT’S THAT’S ONE OF MY PASSIONS. AND I’M STILL ABLE TO DO THAT, RIGHT. WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. STILL GREAT GOLF. YOU GOT TO PLAY. YOU GOT TO YOU GOT TO BRING IT. HOW SPECIAL IS IT TO BE ABLE TO BE HERE AND SEE EVERYBODY KNOW THAT YOU ARE YOU BEING HERE ALSO, IT ELEVATES THE REST OF THE TOURNAMENT. I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THAT. I WILL JUST SAY IT’S IT’S IT’S FANTASTIC. VERY WELCOMED. IT’S NOSTALGIC. I MEAN, I’M I’M AT A FACILITY, WHETHER I’M WALKING IN THE CLUBHOUSE OR CERTAINLY ON THE GROUNDS OF WAKONDA CLUB. ALL THE GREAT VIBES, ALL THE THINGS THAT I REMEMBER AS A KID, YOU KNOW, THIS THIS PLACE WAS SO BIG IN MY MIND, YOU KNOW, AS A YOUNGSTER, BECAUSE OF THE MAJESTIC TREES, THE HILLS, PROBABLY THE HARDEST COURSE IN IOWA AT THE TIME. I DON’T KNOW IF IT IS ANYMORE. I DON’T PLAY IN IOWA ANYMORE, BUT. IT IT STILL HAS ALL THE INTEGRITY I REMEMBER. AND I FEEL LIKE THEY’VE ENHANCED IT TOO. SO. I’M JUST SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE HERE. AGAIN, THE FACT THAT YOU CAN GO FROM, YOU KNOW, WHERE YOU ARE AS A YOUNG GOLFER TO ACHIEVING THE GREAT SUCCESS ON THE TOUR, HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO DO THAT? WELL, MY STORY IS PRETTY DOCUMENTED. I MEAN, I WASN’T THE BEST BY ANY STRETCH. THE IMAGINATION ON ANY TEAM I COMPETED ON. I MEAN, I, BUT I GOT BETTER EVERY YEAR AND I WORKED HARD AT IT. YOU KNOW, YOU CAN FIND JOY IN ALL ASPECTS OF IT. THE DIFFICULTY AND THE AND THE BLISS. THERE’S SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT TRYING TO GET COMFORTABLE IN THE UNCOMFORTABLE. YOU HAVE TO EMBRAC

Principal Charity Classic guide updates: Zach Johnson surges to lead

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Updated: 7:05 PM CDT Jun 13, 2026

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PGA Tour Champions are back in Des Moines this week for the annual Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club.Since 2007, the event has raised over $73 million for Iowa children’s charities. The three-day, 54-hole tournament has a field of 78 players and a purse of $2 million, with $300,000 going to the winner. Miguel Angel Jiménez won the 2025 PCC. Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to the PCC tournament: Zach Johnson rises to top of leaderboardDay 2 of the Principal Charity Classic saw Zach Johnson card a 9-under-par 63 and jump to the top of the leaderboard. Johnson, the Iowa native and former Drake golfer, is 12-under for the tournament, tied for the lead with Brett Quigley and Scott Hend. Retief Goosen, Soren Kjeldsen and David Bransdon are tied for fourth at 11-under.Johnson, Quigley and Hend are scheduled to tee off at 12:01 p.m. Sunday on the final day of the tournament.Johnson, 50, is looking for his second win on the PGA Tour Champions. Day 2: Zach Johnson surges to leadZach Johnson starts 3-under-parZach Johnson finished 3-under-par Friday in his debut at the Principal Charity Classic. Johnson, an Iowa native and former Drake golfer, is tied for 22nd heading into Day 2 at Wakonda Club in Des Moines. George McNeill and Scott Hend carded 65s on the par-72 course to share the lead at -7. Four golfers are tied for third at 6-under.Play resumes at 7:54 a.m. Saturday. Johnson is paired with Retief Goosen and Heath Slocum and will tee off at 8:15 a.m.Principal Charity Classic: Zach Johnson 3-under on Day 1 of tournamentDay 1 report from Wakonda ClubLocationWakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des MoinesTournament main entrance is near the corner of Watrous Avenue and Southwest 14th Street in front of the 8 tee box. (Reminder: There will be no public entrance onto the tournament grounds from Park Avenue.)ForecastIt’ll be sunny Friday with a high of 82. Storms are possible Saturday, starting midday, with a high of 81. And sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of 72. According to the tournament’s website: In the case of inclement weather, a “Weather Warning” notification will be posted on all electronic scoreboards on the course. When this message appears, spectators are advised to take immediate precautions by evacuating bleachers and hospitality tents. In the event of a “Severe Weather” warning and suspension of play, please proceed to the bus loading area to be returned to your car for safety. A suspension of play is preceded by an air horn signal. Suspension of play is a stoppage, not necessarily a cancellation of play for the day. Notification of continuation of play will be given via the tournament website and social media channels. In the event of a weather warning, please avoid hill tops, high places, isolated trees, golf carts, wire fences and open areas. If play is suspended, please close your umbrella and seek shelter immediately. Wakonda Club course Wakonda Club, a private member-owned club founded in 1922, is a classic parkland-style golf course designed by William Langford, located in the heart of Des Moines. Since its prestigious beginnings, Wakonda has been considered one of the best golf courses in the Midwest by not only playing host to major events, but also through grounds-keeping innovation. In 2023, Wakonda Club underwent an extensive renovation designed by architect Tyler Rae. Tournament course par: 72Tournament course yardage: Estimated 6,848 total yardsClick here for a course map.Dates (full schedule below)Monday, June 8, to Tuesday, June 9: Course closed to the public Wednesday, June 10: Prairie Meadows Pro-Am Thursday, June 11: Coherent Pro-AmFriday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026: Principal Charity Classic ParkingGeneral, ADA, and volunteerRamp entrance is located on 7th Street between Crocker and Center StreetsFor GPS navigation use: 830 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309Available Wednesday – SundayAfter parking, spectators and volunteers will board a complimentary shuttle taking them directly to Wakonda Club and the tournament main entrance.VIP ParkingCDS Global section of the Bell Avenue business suitesFor GPS navigation use: 1901 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315Active Friday – SundayNot available for purchaseRide ShareDrop off location: Wakonda Christian Church, 3983 Fleur DriveFrom this location, spectators will be assisted with safely crossing Fleur Drive and will enter the tournament grounds through the designated walk-in gate.More Principal Charity Classic coveragePrincipal Charity Classic: Wakonda Club showcases challenging holes and dramatic elevationsPrincipal Charity Classic: Agronomists use science to prepare greens at Wakonda ClubPrincipal Charity Classic: Daisy May helps keep wildlife off Wakonda Club’s golf courseNorwalk boy to receive adaptive bike at Principal Charity ClassicPrincipal Charity Classic: Zach Johnson’s favorite sandwich honored at Des Moines deliTicketsKids 15 and under are free with an adult ticket. Tickets can be added to any purchase free of charge.Single-day access$25 advanced$35 tournament weekValid 1 day Wednesday-SundayAccess to the Wakonda Club tournament groundsGood any day – 5 pack$100 advanced$110 tournament weekValid 1 day Wednesday-SundayAccess to the Wakonda Club tournament groundsTrophy Club$150 advanced$160 tournament weekValid on selected day onlyLimited quantities availableHeroes OutpostFree for veterans and active military personnelGrants access to the grounds and the Heroes Outpost hospitality venue located at 12 GreenYou must verify your status through Vet Tix Click here to purchase tickets.Hospitality optionsOakview Club Sky SuitesSkyboxes on Hole 171922 ClubContact skyler@principalcharityclassic.com for hospitality options.Children over the age of 3 are required to utilize a hospitality ticket to access any hospitality venues.Full schedule Monday, June 8, to Tuesday, June 9: Course closed to the publicWednesday, June 10: Prairie Meadows Pro-Am | Pairings and results7 a.m. — Gates open, Prairie Meadows Pro-Am Thursday, June 11: Coherent Pro-Am | Pairings and results7 a.m. — Gates open, Coherent Pro-Am 5:30 p.m. — Connections on the Green (private event)Friday, June 12: First round of professional competition8:30 a.m.: Gates open9:50 a.m.: Opening ceremony, 1 tee10:10 a.m. – First round of tournament play, 1 & 10 teesAll day: PCC fan hubs are open to the publicSaturday, June 13: Second round of professional competition 9:30 a.m.: Gates open11:10 a.m.: Second round of tournament play, 1 & 10 tees4:30 p.m.: Junior Sports Experience (registration required)All day: PCC fan hubs open to the publicSunday, June 14: Final round of professional competition8:30 a.m.: Gates open 10:10 a.m.: Final round of tournament play, 1 & 10 tees5:15 p.m.: Trophy presentation5:30 p.m.: Champion’s reception (private event)All day: PCC fan hubs open to the public Fan hubsWellabe Fan VillageOpen to ticket holdersLocation – 14th greenBlank Children’s Hospital Family ZoneOpen to ticket holdersLocation – near practice area and Hole 9MidAmerican Energy Sustainability GroveOpen to ticket holdersLocation – 12th greenFan viewing decksHy-Vee Health | Exemplar Care First Aid, 10 greenFareway Fan Deck, 10 greenBuffalo Trace Distillery, 12 greenFamily Comfort Station, 9 fairwayMasters winner, Drake alum Zach Johnson playing in this summer’s Principal Charity ClassicOne of the biggest names in Iowa golf history is coming back to Des Moines this summer for the Principal Charity Classic. Tournament officials made the announcement in April that Zach Johnson, a Cedar Rapids native and Drake University alum, will compete in the PGA Tour Champions tournament.PGA Tour Champions events are open to former PGA Tour winners age 50 and older. Johnson, who turned 50 in February, is eligible to play for the first time.”It’s always special to come back and play in Iowa,” Johnson said in a news release announcing his commitment to play. “The support I’ve received throughout my career from people across the state means a great deal to me, and I’m looking forward to competing at Wakonda Club and being part of an event that creates such a positive impact in the state of Iowa.”Johnson won 12 times on the PGA Tour, highlighted by the 2007 Masters and the 2015 Open Championship at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. He also served as the captain for Team USA in the 2023 Ryder Cup.PCC Champions through the years2025: Miguel Angel Jiménez 2024: Ernie Els2023: Stephen Ames2022: Jerry Kelly2021: Stephen Ames2020: Tournament canceled due to COVID-192019: Kevin Sutherland2018: Tom Lehman2017: Brandt Jobe2016: Scott McCarron2015: Mark Calcavecchia2014: Tom Pernice Jr.2013: Russ Cochran2012: Jay Haas2011: Bob Gilder 2010: Nick Price2009: Mark McNulty2008: Jay Haas2007: Jay Haas» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

PGA Tour Champions are back in Des Moines this week for the annual Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club.

Since 2007, the event has raised over $73 million for Iowa children’s charities.

The three-day, 54-hole tournament has a field of 78 players and a purse of $2 million, with $300,000 going to the winner. Miguel Angel Jiménez won the 2025 PCC.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to the PCC tournament:

Zach Johnson rises to top of leaderboard

Day 2 of the Principal Charity Classic saw Zach Johnson card a 9-under-par 63 and jump to the top of the leaderboard. Johnson, the Iowa native and former Drake golfer, is 12-under for the tournament, tied for the lead with Brett Quigley and Scott Hend.

Retief Goosen, Soren Kjeldsen and David Bransdon are tied for fourth at 11-under.

Johnson, Quigley and Hend are scheduled to tee off at 12:01 p.m. Sunday on the final day of the tournament.

Johnson, 50, is looking for his second win on the PGA Tour Champions.

Day 2: Zach Johnson surges to lead

Zach Johnson starts 3-under-par

Zach Johnson finished 3-under-par Friday in his debut at the Principal Charity Classic. Johnson, an Iowa native and former Drake golfer, is tied for 22nd heading into Day 2 at Wakonda Club in Des Moines.

George McNeill and Scott Hend carded 65s on the par-72 course to share the lead at -7. Four golfers are tied for third at 6-under.

Play resumes at 7:54 a.m. Saturday. Johnson is paired with Retief Goosen and Heath Slocum and will tee off at 8:15 a.m.

Principal Charity Classic: Zach Johnson 3-under on Day 1 of tournament

Day 1 report from Wakonda Club

Location

  • Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
  • Tournament main entrance is near the corner of Watrous Avenue and Southwest 14th Street in front of the 8 tee box. (Reminder: There will be no public entrance onto the tournament grounds from Park Avenue.)

Forecast

It’ll be sunny Friday with a high of 82. Storms are possible Saturday, starting midday, with a high of 81. And sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of 72.

According to the tournament’s website:

In the case of inclement weather, a “Weather Warning” notification will be posted on all electronic scoreboards on the course. When this message appears, spectators are advised to take immediate precautions by evacuating bleachers and hospitality tents. In the event of a “Severe Weather” warning and suspension of play, please proceed to the bus loading area to be returned to your car for safety. A suspension of play is preceded by an air horn signal. Suspension of play is a stoppage, not necessarily a cancellation of play for the day. Notification of continuation of play will be given via the tournament website and social media channels. In the event of a weather warning, please avoid hill tops, high places, isolated trees, golf carts, wire fences and open areas. If play is suspended, please close your umbrella and seek shelter immediately.

Wakonda Club course

  • Wakonda Club, a private member-owned club founded in 1922, is a classic parkland-style golf course designed by William Langford, located in the heart of Des Moines. Since its prestigious beginnings, Wakonda has been considered one of the best golf courses in the Midwest by not only playing host to major events, but also through grounds-keeping innovation. In 2023, Wakonda Club underwent an extensive renovation designed by architect Tyler Rae.
  • Tournament course par: 72
  • Tournament course yardage: Estimated 6,848 total yards

Click here for a course map.

Dates (full schedule below)

  • Monday, June 8, to Tuesday, June 9: Course closed to the public
  • Wednesday, June 10: Prairie Meadows Pro-Am
  • Thursday, June 11: Coherent Pro-Am
  • Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026: Principal Charity Classic

Parking

  • General, ADA, and volunteer
    • Ramp entrance is located on 7th Street between Crocker and Center Streets
    • For GPS navigation use: 830 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
    • Available Wednesday – Sunday
    • After parking, spectators and volunteers will board a complimentary shuttle taking them directly to Wakonda Club and the tournament main entrance.
  • VIP Parking
    • CDS Global section of the Bell Avenue business suites
    • For GPS navigation use: 1901 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315
    • Active Friday – Sunday
    • Not available for purchase
  • Ride Share
    • Drop off location: Wakonda Christian Church, 3983 Fleur Drive
    • From this location, spectators will be assisted with safely crossing Fleur Drive and will enter the tournament grounds through the designated walk-in gate.

More Principal Charity Classic coverage

Principal Charity Classic: Wakonda Club showcases challenging holes and dramatic elevations

Principal Charity Classic: Agronomists use science to prepare greens at Wakonda Club

Principal Charity Classic: Daisy May helps keep wildlife off Wakonda Club’s golf course

Norwalk boy to receive adaptive bike at Principal Charity Classic

Principal Charity Classic: Zach Johnson’s favorite sandwich honored at Des Moines deli

Tickets

Kids 15 and under are free with an adult ticket. Tickets can be added to any purchase free of charge.

Single-day access

  • $25 advanced
  • $35 tournament week
  • Valid 1 day Wednesday-Sunday
  • Access to the Wakonda Club tournament grounds

Good any day – 5 pack

  • $100 advanced
  • $110 tournament week
  • Valid 1 day Wednesday-Sunday
  • Access to the Wakonda Club tournament grounds

Trophy Club

  • $150 advanced
  • $160 tournament week
  • Valid on selected day only
  • Limited quantities available

Heroes Outpost

  • Free for veterans and active military personnel
  • Grants access to the grounds and the Heroes Outpost hospitality venue located at 12 Green
  • You must verify your status through Vet Tix

Click here to purchase tickets.

Hospitality options

  • Oakview Club Sky Suites
  • Skyboxes on Hole 17
  • 1922 Club
  • Contact skyler@principalcharityclassic.com for hospitality options.
  • Children over the age of 3 are required to utilize a hospitality ticket to access any hospitality venues.

Full schedule

Monday, June 8, to Tuesday, June 9: Course closed to the public

Wednesday, June 10: Prairie Meadows Pro-Am | Pairings and results

  • 7 a.m. — Gates open, Prairie Meadows Pro-Am

Thursday, June 11: Coherent Pro-Am | Pairings and results

  • 7 a.m. — Gates open, Coherent Pro-Am
  • 5:30 p.m. — Connections on the Green (private event)

Friday, June 12: First round of professional competition

  • 8:30 a.m.: Gates open
  • 9:50 a.m.: Opening ceremony, 1 tee
  • 10:10 a.m. – First round of tournament play, 1 & 10 tees
  • All day: PCC fan hubs are open to the public

Saturday, June 13: Second round of professional competition

  • 9:30 a.m.: Gates open
  • 11:10 a.m.: Second round of tournament play, 1 & 10 tees
  • 4:30 p.m.: Junior Sports Experience (registration required)
  • All day: PCC fan hubs open to the public

Sunday, June 14: Final round of professional competition

  • 8:30 a.m.: Gates open
  • 10:10 a.m.: Final round of tournament play, 1 & 10 tees
  • 5:15 p.m.: Trophy presentation
  • 5:30 p.m.: Champion’s reception (private event)
  • All day: PCC fan hubs open to the public

Fan hubs

Wellabe Fan Village

  • Open to ticket holders
  • Location – 14th green

Blank Children’s Hospital Family Zone

  • Open to ticket holders
  • Location – near practice area and Hole 9

MidAmerican Energy Sustainability Grove

  • Open to ticket holders
  • Location – 12th green

Fan viewing decks

  • Hy-Vee Health | Exemplar Care First Aid, 10 green
  • Fareway Fan Deck, 10 green
  • Buffalo Trace Distillery, 12 green
  • Family Comfort Station, 9 fairway

Masters winner, Drake alum Zach Johnson playing in this summer’s Principal Charity Classic

One of the biggest names in Iowa golf history is coming back to Des Moines this summer for the Principal Charity Classic. Tournament officials made the announcement in April that Zach Johnson, a Cedar Rapids native and Drake University alum, will compete in the PGA Tour Champions tournament.

PGA Tour Champions events are open to former PGA Tour winners age 50 and older. Johnson, who turned 50 in February, is eligible to play for the first time.

“It’s always special to come back and play in Iowa,” Johnson said in a news release announcing his commitment to play. “The support I’ve received throughout my career from people across the state means a great deal to me, and I’m looking forward to competing at Wakonda Club and being part of an event that creates such a positive impact in the state of Iowa.”

Johnson won 12 times on the PGA Tour, highlighted by the 2007 Masters and the 2015 Open Championship at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. He also served as the captain for Team USA in the 2023 Ryder Cup.

PCC Champions through the years

  • 2025: Miguel Angel Jiménez
  • 2024: Ernie Els
  • 2023: Stephen Ames
  • 2022: Jerry Kelly
  • 2021: Stephen Ames
  • 2020: Tournament canceled due to COVID-19
  • 2019: Kevin Sutherland
  • 2018: Tom Lehman
  • 2017: Brandt Jobe
  • 2016: Scott McCarron
  • 2015: Mark Calcavecchia
  • 2014: Tom Pernice Jr.
  • 2013: Russ Cochran
  • 2012: Jay Haas
  • 2011: Bob Gilder
  • 2010: Nick Price
  • 2009: Mark McNulty
  • 2008: Jay Haas
  • 2007: Jay Haas

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