ANKENY, Iowa – An appearance by Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters and 2015 British Open Champion, highlighted the annual Drake Golf Classic on Tuesday, May 31.

Despite afternoon thunderstorms canceling the second nine of play on the exclusive Talons of Tuscany Course, golfers were treated to an afternoon lunch with Johnson as he talked with fondness about being part of the Drake family. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native and 1998 Drake graduate also took questions from the record-breaking Drake Golf Classic field and posed for photos with those in attendance and the Claret Jug.

Once the inclement weather cleared, Johnson and the 22 foursomes that participated earlier, took to the course's infamous 19th hole where Johnson entertained more questions while sharing tips and tricks on the 148-yard hole over water.

Bulldog supporters were hosted for the ninth year at the Talons of Tuscany, a pristine, private course owned by one of Drake's biggest supporters, Mr. Dennis Albaugh. Mr. Albaugh generously allows the Drake athletics department the opportunity to host its annual golf tournament, which serves as one of the department's biggest fundraisers.

The majority of the record 22 foursomes that took to the challenging track got in 10 or more holes before thunderstorms rolled into the area. The foursome of Greg Wilcox, Jay Syverson, Craig Block and Mike Moyer of DeeZee Manufacturing were crowned the winners of the first flight. 

Individually, Tom Rupprecht was crowned the Drake Golf Classic individual champion to earn the coveted Blue Jacket from Zach Johnson. 

For more information about the 2017 Drake Golf Classic, contact Austin Strawhacker (austin.strawhacker@drake.edu).