The annual Champions Tour stop in Des Moines may need a new venue but not a new name. The Principal Final Group has renewed a three-year agreement to remain the title sponsor for the Principal Charity Classic.
Principal Senior vice president Mary O’Keefe says it is a great event for the community, mainly that it is a great family event that has a lot of benefits for charity. O’Keefe says the tournament is traditionally the best non-major on the Champions Tour.
“They want to play in front of crowds and we have such a receptive crowd. We have has so many great events in conjunction, and the players turn out for them,” O’Keefe says.
The tournament is looking for a new course. The Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines announced it will not host the event next year. O’Keefe says the PGA, the tournament board and others will be involved in looking for the new home for the event so it continues to be successful.
Glen Oaks has hosted the Champions Tour event ever year but one since 2001.