Principal Charity Classic Defending Champion Jay Haas Sparks Excitement for 2008 Tournament
May 9, 2008 (Des Moines, IA) — With three weeks to go until tournament play, Principal Charity Classic® Defending Champion Jay Haas addressed media and community leaders this morning at Glen Oaks Country Club, the location of the annual Champions Tour event. The Principal Charity Classic is sponsored by the Principal Financial Group, presented by Wells Fargo and hosted by the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation.
"Giving back is the number one goal of the Champions Tour, and The Principal Charity Classic is a truly impressive event when it comes to supporting nonprofit organizations that benefit children. I'm proud to be part of it again," said Haas. "Last year was my first time playing in Central Iowa, and it was a fantastic experience. The golf was great, the fan support was spectacular and the overall commitment to the community was evident in every part of the event. I look forward to being back."
Haas shot a 2-under 69 at last year's Principal Charity Classic, winning the tournament by three strokes. He is a 10-time Champions Tour winner. Haas is currently ranked No. 3 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings with 692 points.
The Principal Charity Classic Goes Beyond Golf
Expanding the success of the tournament's inaugural year in raising funds "FORE Our Kids," The Principal Charity Classic launched Birdies for Charity. Through this new program, participating not-for-profit organizations solicit pledges from supporters based on the number of birdies made by PGA Champions Tour players during the three-day Principal Charity Classic. Participating organizations will keep 100 percent of the pledges collected on their behalf.
"We're proud of Principal Charity Classic's support of Central Iowa's children's charities. Birdies for Charity offers another opportunity for the community to actively participate in the tournament, while raising much-needed funds for area children." said J. Barry Griswell, chairman, the Principal Financial Group. "The combination of a significant charitable impact, a great golf tournament and another outstanding community event is a powerful win for Greater Des Moines."
Other enhancements that are part of this year's Principal Charity Classic include:
- Shuttle transportation from the main entrance to the clubhouse at Glen Oaks Country Club
- A golf clinic tailored to women
- An "autograph lane," allowing fans to be more involved in the action
- Community concerts – Dick Prall Band at West Glen Town Center, 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 30, and "Dueling Pianos" with Tony Bohnenkamp, 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31 at Jordan Creek Town Center.
"The Principal Charity Classic board and staff are committed to making this event not only a top-notch tournament on the Champions Tour, but also an experience the entire community can enjoy, whether attendees are golf enthusiasts, or not," said Mike Heid, co-president, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. "These enhancements will continue to build on the broad appeal and community benefits of The Principal Charity Classic that were established last year."
The Principal Charity Classic was named one of the top 10 events of the PGA Champions Tour by the Tournament Association, ranking fourth out of 26 events in 2007. The Des Moines area event was also recognized by the group as the "Most Improved Event."
About The Principal Charity Classic presented by Wells Fargo
The Principal Charity Classic, presented by Wells Fargo, is an annual Champions Tour event at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. The 2008 tournament will be held May 28-June 1. Greater Des Moines Community Foundation plays host to the event, which is focused on philanthropic giving for designated "FORE Our Kids" charities:
- Blank Children's Hospital
- Bravo Greater Des Moines
- Greater Des Moines Community Foundation
- United Way of Central Iowa
- Variety-The Children's Charity.
