The new coach is a friend of Zach Johnson
Drake University has named Matt Lewis head coach of the men’s golf program.
Lewis, a former first-team All-Big 12 and first-team Academic All-Big 12 performer at Iowa State, had been head golf professional at Clinton Country Club in Clinton, Iowa, since 2004. As a Cyclone (1997-99) he was coached by former Drake head coach Jamie Bermel.
“It is an honor to welcome Matt Lewis into the Drake Athletics family,” says Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Drake athletic director. “He is a perfect fit with our organizational values, and is a consummate teacher and a born winner. Matt’s focus on creating a positive culture and on teamwork will provide a strong foundation for success with our men’s golf program.”
As head pro at Clinton Country Club, Lewis has earned a reputation as a respected teacher of the game, working with golfers of all ages and abilities. He also promoted and conducted 60 member events and 24 corporate events annually. In addition to many responsibilities he was responsible for recruiting, hiring and training 15 golf department employees.
“My family and I are very excited about being a part of the Drake community,” Lewis says. “I am looking forward to getting to know the players and creating a strong, cohesive team. My experiences as a collegiate student-athlete, professional golfer and club professional have prepared me to be a successful college golf coach.”
Drake alumnus and 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson praises the hire.
“Drake University has just hired a winner in Matt Lewis,” Johnson says. “Because of his background as a college student-athlete and as a professional golfer, Matt will provide the necessary platform for his golfers to be successful on the links and in the classroom. His attention to detail, tireless work ethic, positive attitude and fun-loving spirit will trickle down to his student-athletes and the DU Athletic Administration.”
Lewis began his collegiate career at Minnesota (1994-97) before transferring to Iowa State (1997-99). He still ranks tied for fourth in Iowa State history with a low 54-hole tournament score of 207 at the 1997 Red Raider Invitational, He ranks fifth in Cyclones history with a career stroke average of 74.13, under the direction of former Bulldogs head coach Bermel, now the head coach at Colorado State. Lewis earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 1998 when he led the team with a 73.82 stroke average. He was a first-team academic All-Big 12 choice and Iowa State team captain in 1998 and ’99. The Cyclones competed in the NCAA Regional in Columbus, Ohio in his senior year of 1999.
Following his collegiate career Lewis competed in the North Florida PGA Tour (1999-2000), and is a PGA Class A Member. His professional memberships include Iowa PGA Section Board Member (2009-11) and Membership Committee Member for the Iowa PGA (2010-11).
A native of Dubuque, the 35-year-old Lewis and his wife, Tara, have three children.