Holy Francis Ouimet! Nick Taylor Fires 65 At The Open

In amateur golf circles, we still talk about the great Francis Ouimet. First American amateur to win the U.S. Open. He was a true David among Goliaths in the sport of golf.

More than 90 years later—enter Nick Taylor.

Nick Taylor is  a Canadian amateur who comes to us via the University of Washington.

All he did was shoot 65 in the second round at Bethpage Black. That's a number reserved for pedigree professionals. Amateurs simply don't throw up 65's on the leader board at Open championships.

Just doesn't happen.

It has happened and Taylor is right up there in contention at the halfway point of the championship. Add it to his 73 and he's at two-under.

Taylor went on a rampage with seven birdies. Two bogeys kept him from shooting a 63—an immortal number.

The 21-year-old shares the support of Canada with Mike Weir, who is supposed to be up there, after all, Weir owns a green jacket.

There was no indication Taylor would jump into the world spotlight this week. Best previous round was a 75 at the 2008 Open at Torrey Pines.

Yet here he is, the pride of Abbotsford, British Columbia.

No doubt he's the talk of the town in Abbotford.

Not to mention that little place called New York.

Holy Francis Ouimet!