TORONTO | Nick Taylor’s top spot in the Canadian Open is largely thanks to a sermon from his wife after a difficult first round of 75 (+3) on Thursday.
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Madame was not satisfied with her husband’s attitude.
“She gave me a lecture on Thursday night because I just did what I wanted. “I probably had a bad attitude when executing a shot the way I wanted to,” he said after a brilliant round of 63 (-9) at Oakdale today.
“I knew my game was on point, but a little kick in the back doesn’t hurt,” he added in a humorous outburst at a press conference.
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Taylor, 35, responded with a 67(-5) card the day after the summit sermon. And in the third round he scored nine birdies without committing a single penalty. With a score of 63, he improved on the course record set by Tyrrell Hatton (64) the day before.
However, in national championship history, the palm goes to Justin Rose, Brandt Snedeker and Carl Pettersson, all of whom removed 10 strokes from par while playing 60.
The recipe for success in Oakdale?
“Since yesterday I’ve been hitting the tees very well [vendredi]. And I started doing wedge putts. I feel like I’m doing some really good things with my putter this season,” said Taylor. The first nine places of this course can be very difficult. The ability to make four or five shots to par provides excellent pace for a back nine where birdie opportunities abound.
“If you can keep the ball off the tall grass and get good putts, that’s a good recipe,” he added.
With seventh place and an overall record of -11, the Canadian is in an excellent position for the finals. He is three strokes behind CT Pan of Taiwan.
A 69-year drought
If the stars align, he could be the first Maple Leaf representative to win the national championship since Pat Fletcher in 1954.
“Two guys have a chance to pull off the feat,” said Taylor, who is close behind Corey Conners at -10.
“That’s all you could wish for. The audience will be amazed, especially if we play well. We will do everything to bring the trophy home.”
For Corey Conners, the drought is lasting far too long. “I will also give everything. I’m a bit behind four shots in front, but you never know. Nick and I have a good chance.
Large sizes
Taylor doesn’t blush in front of the competition. Earlier this season, he chased down Phoenix Open point guard Scottie Scheffler and picked up a 65(-6) final card. The Texan surpassed him with two shots on target.
And in February 2020, he won a duel against Phil Mickelson and celebrated his second win on the PGA Tour by winning the AT&T Pro-Am trophy in Pebble Beach.
Nick Taylor with his wife Andie and their first child Charlie Wells at the time of his victory at Pebble Beach in February 2020. AFP
He’s ready to do whatever it takes to excel in tomorrow’s finals on Canadian soil.
“I am not afraid of times when the pressure is high. I’ll keep my head down and let my game do the talking, like I’ve done the last two rounds,” Taylor said. The scene will be huge. Fans will know how to support us.”