The Principal Charity Classic final round brought a three-way tie to the top of the leaderboard and a stiff breeze across Wakonda Club. Zach Johnson, Brett Quigley and Scott Hend all sit at 12 under par after 36 holes, creating a wide-open finish on Sunday afternoon in Des Moines.
Johnson carded a brilliant 63 in round two to join the group at the top. The Iowa native now has a chance to win on home soil in front of familiar faces. Quigley and Hend bring veteran poise and steady ball-striking that could thrive in the wind.
Date, Time & Venue
Sunday, June 14, 2026 Wakonda Club, Des Moines, Iowa Par 72 | 6,865 yards
Leaders’ featured group tees off at 12:01 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) / 1:01 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) / 10:31 p.m. India Standard Time (IST).
The final round is already underway under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-60s and a noticeable north-northwest wind.
Live Streaming & Telecast
Golf Channel carries live coverage from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT (Sunday). Streaming: PGA Tour app and website (live leaderboard and featured groups), Golf Channel digital platforms. Time zone conversions for global viewers:
- 3:00 p.m. EDT = 2:00 p.m. CDT = 12:00 a.m. IST (Monday)
- 6:00 p.m. EDT = 5:00 p.m. CDT = 3:30 a.m. IST (Monday)
International fans can follow featured groups and live scoring on the official PGA Tour Champions digital channels.
Featured Groups & Tee Times
The final-round spotlight falls on the three co-leaders: 12:01 p.m. CDT tee time (10:31 p.m. IST) — Zach Johnson, Brett Quigley, Scott Hend
Other notable groups include players within a few shots who can still make a run. Tee times run in waves from early morning through early afternoon, with the leaders going out in the middle of the pack.
Course Report & Weather
Wakonda Club played firm and fast after earlier rain delays in the week. Sunday brought 67°F temperatures, NNW winds at 14 mph with gusts up to 24 mph.
The breeze turned approaches into a test of distance control and forced players to favor the center of greens. Putts on the slick surfaces became even more delicate with the wind affecting ball speed. Players who kept the ball low and managed the gusts gained an edge.
Current Leaderboard (After 36 Holes)
| Position | Player | R1 | R2 | Total | To Par |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Zach Johnson | 69 | 63 | 132 | -12 |
| T1 | Brett Quigley | 67 | 65 | 132 | -12 |
| T1 | Scott Hend | 65 | 67 | 132 | -12 |
| T4 | Richard Green | 67 | 68 | 135 | -11 |
| T4 | Retief Goosen | 69 | 64 | 133 | -11 |
| T4 | Søren Kjeldsen | 68 | 65 | 133 | -11 |
| T4 | David Bransdon | 67 | 66 | 133 | -11 |
Leaderboard via ESPN and PGA Tour. Round 3 in progress.
Key Player Battles & Matchups
Zach Johnson vs. the Field The local favorite brings major-championship experience and recent momentum. His 63 on Saturday showed he can go low when the putter cooperates. Home support could become a factor on the back nine.
Brett Quigley A steady presence on the Champions Tour with a smooth swing that handles wind well. Quigley rarely beats himself and will look to capitalize if the leaders in front falter.
Scott Hend The Australian has proven he can win in the United States. His ball-striking from tee to green gives him a real chance if the wind stays up.
The battle will likely come down to who manages the wind best on the inward nine and who converts the short birdie opportunities that appear on this classic layout.
Fantasy Team Tips (Golf Contests)
- Captain pick: Zach Johnson — home-course comfort and hot form make him the clear top choice in most formats.
- Value plays: Look at players sitting 3–5 shots back who have strong recent iron play. They offer upside without the captain price tag.
- Weather adjustment: Prioritize accurate drivers and good lag putters. Avoid anyone who has struggled with wind in recent starts.
- Small slate strategy: In single-day contests, stack the three leaders early and differentiate with one or two players from the groups just behind.
Match Prediction
This one feels headed for a tight finish. The wind adds volatility, so expect the lead to change hands multiple times on the back nine.
My lean: Zach Johnson edges it in a playoff or by a single shot. The combination of recent low round, local knowledge, and crowd energy gives him the slight advantage in a three-man race. Quigley and Hend remain live long shots who could steal it with a clean card.
Records & Milestones
- The event carries a $2 million purse with $300,000 to the winner.
- Past champions include Miguel Ángel Jiménez (2025), Ernie Els, and Stephen Ames.
- The tournament has raised more than $73 million for Iowa children’s charities since it began.
- Johnson would become the latest Iowa native to claim a significant win on home soil if he closes it out.
Injury Updates & Team News
No significant injury concerns reported among the top of the leaderboard. All three leaders entered the week healthy and have shown no signs of physical issues through 36 holes.
Press Conference & Captain Quotes
Johnson spoke earlier in the week about the special feeling of competing in his home state and the pride that comes with representing Iowa on the Champions Tour. The other leaders echoed the sentiment that the charity focus adds extra motivation beyond the trophy.
Final Thoughts
The Principal Charity Classic final round delivered the drama fans wanted. With three proven winners tied at the top and wind adding teeth to Wakonda Club, Sunday afternoon shaped up as the kind of finish that makes senior golf so compelling.
Whether Johnson rides the home crowd to victory or one of the veterans steals the show, this one will be remembered for the quality of the battle and the cause it supports.
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