DES MOINES, Iowa (May 22, 2025) – The Principal® Charity Classic has been recognized with the 2025 Sustainability Initiative Award (Large Market) by Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) for its exceptional dedication to integrating environmental and social responsibility into all aspects of its tournament operations.
The Principal Charity Classic, Iowa’s only PGA TOUR Champions event, made significant strides in sustainability in 2024. Key sustainability achievements include diverting over 11,000 pounds of waste from landfills, donating more than 4,400 pounds of surplus food (equivalent to 3,717 meals), and recycling thousands of cans and bottles to support reforestation efforts through Trees Forever. The tournament's circular economy practices have further been bolstered by repurposing 500 pounds of mesh for gardening and eliminating 4,000 single-use water bottles through refill stations.
In 2024 the Tournament launched two key sustainability initiatives. Pedal to PCC encouraged spectators to bike to the event, reducing travel emissions and promoting active transportation while Sustainability Grove provided attendees with opportunities to engage with local sustainability organizations, further educating the public on environmental responsibility.
“We’re proud to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability,” said Alex McCarty, Tournament Director of the Principal Charity Classic. “This award reflects the hard work of our team and partners to make the tournament more environmentally responsible each year, and we’re excited to keep raising the bar.”
For more information on the Principal Charity Classic’s sustainability efforts visitprincipalchairtyclassic.com/sustainability.
About the Principal Charity Classic
The Principal Charity Classic is an annual PGA TOUR Champions event dedicated to investing in the future of Iowa kids. Since 2007, the tournament has raised more than $62 million for Iowa children's charities, including a record-breaking $8.6 million in 2024 alone. Funds support organizations focused on education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness for Iowa youth. Recognized as the 2024 PGA TOUR Champions President’s Award winner, the Principal Charity Classic is proud to be named Tournament of the Year. For more information, visit principalcharityclassic.com.
Media Contact:
Karena Ries
karena@principalcharityclassic.com
641- 745-7853