WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University men's golf team won the Zach Johnson Invitational Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Glen Oaks Country Club. Drake, which claimed the team title at its home tournament for the first time, overcame a six-stroke deficit to edge Missouri Valley Conference rival, Missouri State.
 
"Really proud of the guys today," said Drake head coach Matt Lewis. "We played well yesterday in the first round to lead and the second round was our weakest round and we struggled in tough conditions. We knew though we were in position going into the final round and I challenged the guys to come in to a new day and take care of what we can control. Really proud of how they stepped up."
 
Senior Tim Lin carded his low round of the tournament Tuesday with an even-par 71 to take second place with a 5-over par total of 72-75-71 - 218. Lin finished three strokes behind individual, Gonzalo Leal, from the University of Iowa. Leal fired a 2-under 69 in the final round and finished with a 2-over par total of 73-73-69 – 215 to take the top spot.
 
"Tim was huge from start to finish in the tournament, Lewis said. "Will (Ellegard) stepped up with his round today and Shayne (Patel) played well today. Really proud of the team effort."
 
Patel matched Lin with a 71 Tuesday to finish tied for ninth at 14-over par (79-77-71 – 227). In his first tournament, Ellegard, was tied for 17th with a 20-over par total of 230 (78-83-72). Rounding out the Bulldogs' scores were sophomore Nick Pittman (74-83-84 – 241) and senior Kyle MacDonald (85-81-79 – 245).
 
The Zach Johnson Invitational was the first competition for the Bulldogs this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rigorous safety measures were in place for all competitors and spectators. Competitors played in twosomes to maximize social distancing and wore masks when not competing. All coaches, event staff and spectators wore face masks and adhered to social distancing guidelines.
 
"Really proud of how the tournament went in uncharted territory and no precedent," Lewis said. "Trying to think and work through all of the details. Thank you to President Martin, Athletic Director Brian Hardin, the Drake Athletics staff for their work and allowing us to do this and make a successful and safe plan. We received great positive feedback from the other coaches and players and we're thankful to have done this and hope this helps serve as a plan moving forward to compete again this fall and in the spring."
 
2020 Zach Johnson Invitational
Glen Oaks C.C. – Par 71 – 6,898 yards
Final Results
 
Team Standings
1. Drake, 303-316-293–912 (+60)
2. Missouri State, 308-305-304–917 (+65)
3. Indian Hills CC, 323-307-300–930 (+78)
4. Iowa Western CC, 313-306-312–931 (+79)
5. Omaha, 316-311-307–934 (+82)
6. Central College, 328-325-314–967 (+115)
 
Drake Individual Results
2. Tim Lim, 72-75-71–218 (+5)
T9. Shayne Patel, 79-77-71–227 (+14)
T17. Will Ellegard, 78-83-72–233 (+20)
T31. Nick Pittman, 74-83-84–241 (+28)
T38. Kyle MacDonald, 85-81-79–245 (+32)
 
T22. Lucas Scherf, 82-78-76–236 (+23)
Zac Jenkins, WD