GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The Drake University men's golf team opened the 2017 season on Saturday at the Loyola Intercollegiate in Goodyear Ariz.
 
The Bulldogs are tied for 14th-place with host Loyola (Md.) through 18 holes with a score of 293.
 
"Today wasn't our best day and it was obvious all of the guys were rusty one way or another. It was good to see that we scored better on our second nine," said Drake head coach Matt Lewis.
 
Junior Drew Ison led the team on the first day by firing a one-under par 71 and is tied for 22nd-place. Sophomore Tommi Avant shot a 73, while Matt Lavery is a stroke behind Avant with a 74. Sophomore Jack Kennedy carded a 75 and Arjun Reddy rounded out the team's effort shooting a 79.
 
Freshman Chase Wicklund, who played as an individual, shot an even par 72 in the first round.

 "We had a productive practice session after our round and the guys are upbeat and are excited to get back out and compete in the morning," said Lewis.

The Bulldogs will play the second round of the Loyola Intercollegiate on Sunday with a shotgun start set for 7:45 a.m. MST.