MADISON, Wis. – The Drake University men's golf team completed the first round of the Badger Invitational on Sunday at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wis.
 
The Bulldogs recorded a 303 (+15) on the first day and are in 13th-place, while MVC foe Illinois State and Iowa State are tied at the top of the leaderboard with a score of 286 (-2).
 
"I thought we played much better than our final score. We had a few big numbers that really hurt us, and if we eliminate those mistakes we will score much better," said Drake head coach Matt Lewis. "We know all of the scores are bunched up and a few low rounds tomorrow will get us into good positions to finish out the tournament."
 
The Bulldogs were led by junior Drew Ison with a score of 73 (+1), tied for 19th-place. After beginning his day with a bogey, Ison managed to finish even in the front-nine. In the back-nine, Ison started with four straight pars before carding a birdie with four holes to play. On the ensuing hole, he shot a double-bogey, but responded with three pars to close out his round. Freshmen Chase Wicklund and Kyle MacDonald made their collegiate debut. Wicklund shot a 76 (+4), while MacDonald and sophomore Tommi Avant each carded a 77 (+5). Junior Matt Lavery rounded out the Bulldogs' day with a score of 79 (+7).
 
The second round of the Badger Invitational will begin on Monday at 9 a.m., followed by the final round on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.