OMAHA, Neb. – North Dakota State men's golf picked up its second-straight win to begin the season on Tuesday, as the Bison claimed the Bluejay Invitational hosted by Creighton at Shadow Ridge Country Club.
 
The Bison shot a final round of 286 (-4) to finish the 54-hole tournament at -17 and claim a six-shot victory over host Creighton and St. Thomas (-11). It is the first time since February/March of 2024 that the Bison have won back-to-back tournaments and it is the first time since 2017-18 that NDSU opened the season with consecutive tournament victories.
 
With the win, Dr. Ekren Miller becomes the first Bison head coach to lead NDSU men's golf to tournament victories in his first two events as the head coach of the program.
 
Jake Skarperud (69-71-70 – 210) and Rylin Petry (69-74-70 – 213) led the Bison in the final round, as both golfers posted -2 scored of 70. Skarperud had a team-high five birdies on the day and Petry finished with four, as both moved up the leaderboard.
 
Skarperud finished tied with fellow Bison Carter White (70-67-73 – 210) for third overall, as the duo finished at -6 for the event. Petry finished in a tie for 10^th overall at -3.
 
After a 67 in his second round on Monday to move into a tie for the lead, White shot a +1 round of 73 with three birdies on the final day to drop two spots. The 67 on Monday and the third-place finish for White are both career bests for the freshman.
 
Max Wilson (73-75-71 – 219) closed out the scoring rounds for the Bison in the third and final round, as he shot a -1 round of 71 on the day. Wilson carded three birdies and 13 pars to move up the leaderboard and finish in a tie for 30^th overall at +3.
 
Gabe Benson (76-70-77 – 223) wrapped up the tournament for NDSU, carding a pair of birdies in the final round. Benson finished in a tie for 44^th overall at +7 in the 71-golfer field.
 
Following the win at the Bluejay Invitational, the Bison will head to West Des Moines, Iowa for the Zach Johnson Invitational next week. Hosted by Drake, the event will take place at Glen Oakes Country Club on September 22-23.