WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake men's golf team wrapped day one of hosting duties at the 2022 Zach Johnson Invitational at Glen Oaks Country Club on Monday, Sept. 26. The Bulldogs (305-303-608) are tied for 10^th as a team.
 
"We knew the wind would be challenging," head coach Matt Lewis said. "The course played tough but was in spectacular shape. There were some low scores out there and there were some high scores. It's always fun to be home as we don't get to do that very open, just once a year. Having friends and family supporting us was great."
 
The Drake Lineup
Silvester Tan (71-72-143) finds himself +1 and in a tie for 10^th place overall after two rounds. Tan sank six birdies and one eagle on the first day.
 
"Silvester was solid," Lewis said. "He had one hole he messed up on, but other than that he played brilliant golf and stepped up in a big way. That shows the depth of our team. We are a talented group one thru eight."
 
Sophomore Nikko Ganas (75-75-150) was consistent in the opening two rounds. Freshman Cale Leonard (79-78-157) is competing in his first Zach Johnson Invitational and buried five birdies. Shayne Patel (80-79-159) was not far behind recording an eagle and three birdies. Nick Pittman (83-78-181) bounced back in the second round to better his first round score by five strokes aided by a pair of birdies and an eagle.
 
Individuals
The Bulldogs have three players competing as individuals. Besides Tan, Drake's best score was delivered by Jack Dumas (78-74-152) in the second round. Dumas was boosted by five birdies and an eagle. Nate Spear (78-77-155) made his collegiate debut while Lucas Scherf (79-81-160) rounded out the Drake individuals.
 
The Field
North Dakota State leads after day one over the 14-team field. The Bison own a commanding 11-stroke lead with a team score of 560 (-8). Iowa State (571, +3) currently sits in second place.
 
The final 18-hole round will begin on Tuesday (Sept. 27) with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.