The Champions Tour has selected The Principal Charity Classic as its "Best Event" in 2009. The announcement was recently made by Champions Tour President, Mike Stevens, at the Champions Tour Tournament Association annual awards dinner in San Antonio, Texas.

"To be recognized as the best event on the Champions Tour says a lot about the Des Moines community," said Larry Zimpleman, chairman, president and chief executive officer, the Principal Financial Group®. "In just three short years, The Principal Charity Classic has distributed nearly $1.7 million to the five "FORE our Kids" charities in Iowa and has attracted record-breaking crowds. We are thrilled to be able to bring this outstanding event, and all the benefits that come with it, to the area."

The Champions Tour annually awards its events for outstanding performances based on several categories including:
  • On-site presentation and staging
  • Community support
  • Attendance
  • Charitable impact
"Being named the number one event on the Champions Tour would not be possible without our staff, board, sponsors, fans and over 1,000 volunteers," said Jamie Alt, tournament director. In addition, The Principal Charity Classic also received two "Brassie Awards," for advertising and marketing; first place for outdoor advertisement and runner-up for Web site marketing.

The 2009 Principal Charity Classic tournament was played May 26 - May 31, 2009 at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa.