Take a gander at the U.S. Open leaderboard. So far, it’s not what most expected to see - but no doubt there are plenty of interesting story lines. Mike Weir shot 64 with a double-bogey in the first round and Lucas Glover matched it in his second round. Ricky Barnes set the U.S. Open scoring record with an 8-under-par 132. David Duval has surprised everyone firing three-under-par and T4 at the moment. Tiger Woods, the clear favorite to win when the week began, is eleven shots back from the lead.

But, the story of the day goes to “that kid” Nick Taylor. The 21-year-old University of Washington senior shot 5-under-par 65 in his second round at Bethpage Black for a two round total of two-under-par. That’s only the third 65 carded by an amateur in the history of the U.S. Open! Going into the third round, he’s T7. It goes without saying that’s really good. (He’s making me sound like a genius.)

Consider the circumstances. There’s the weather. There’s the intimidation factor that comes with competing at a major championship - not to mention, held at Bethpage. You have to be mentally and physically strong, composed and patient. Nick shows that he has what it takes - you can tell just by watching him play and talking to him. When I spoke with him on Monday, I mentioned that he seemed level-headed while he was practicing and asked if that were usually the case. He replied, “I’m low key and level emotionally. I don’t get too excited or down.”

Now, this isn’t his first experience playing at the U.S. Open. Last year, he qualified for it at Torrey Pines, but missed the cut by three shots. The sometimes rowdy New York crowds don’t seem to bother him either. In fact, they appear to encourage him, “[The galleries] are going to be crazy and fun - a lot more entertaining than San Diego.”

Yesterday was a long day for those that played both in the morning and afternoon. Not wanting to bother him, I thought I’d just send him a quick text saying good job. I was surprised when he immediately responded, “Thanks, so tiring.” Then, I decided to ask the obvious question we would all want to know, “What’s working for you?” His simple reply was,  “I drove the ball great and made a lot of putts in the afternoon.” He sure did - he hit 75% of fairways and made seven birdies in his second round, one which resulted from holing out a bunker shot on the 14th hole - his last shot on Friday!

Tremendous is just one word to describe Nick’s play - especially when you remember he is still an amateur. And it was only Monday when he said, “It’s cool to play with the rest of these guys when I’m not even on the PGA Tour or a pro - I get a preview of what it’s like to play in a major.”

With what will likely be two more intense rounds of golf on the horizon, he seems poised enough to hang with the big boys and finish with one of the more memorable amateur performances in recent U.S. Open history.

In case you haven’t heard, the U.S. Open is at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York this week. On Monday, I ventured from the City to Long Island via train to take a gander at the course and the field. (No, I didn’t see Tiger.)

I spent a good chunk of the day watching the players practice at the driving range and around the chipping and putting greens. That’s actually my favorite part - I love seeing them work the ball and gawking at their solid swings.

Before the thunderstorm came through, I followed a few groups play, including Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott (who is so hot), Rory Mcilroy and Ian Poulter, among others.

I caught up with the two players that I know - Nick Taylor, a rising senior at the University of Washington (and future PGA superstar, mark my words), and Ryan Moore. I hadn’t seen Ryan in probably eight years. We grew up playing junior golf in Washington. He’s kind of a big deal now. Nice to know he remembers the little people!

It was only Monday and the atmosphere was already incredibly enthusiastic and energetic. But that should come with no surprise as all major sporting events in New York have a special vibe from start to finish. Needless to say, it’s going to be a week to remember.

GET EXCITED. No, seriously.

At the opening of the UW Husky Golf Center, Nick Taylor, who is playing in the U.S. Open this week, and Jens Bracht show us some of their juggling skillz - hitting the ball from the bottom level to the top.

This is why these guys are so good.

(Here’s another take - in case you can’t get enough.)

Amidst finals week, University of Washington’s Nick Taylor qualified for the U.S. Open for the second consecutive year. He earned medalist honors, no less! During Monday’s sectional qualifier at Tumble Creek in Roslyn, WA, the Husky phenom shot rounds of 66-70, 6-under-par.

He won by two strokes over Andrew Parr, who he was paired with - both earned spots in the U.S. Open field next week at Bethpage Black.

It’s been a mind-blowing year for Nick. Only a few weeks ago, he finished 9th individually to help lead the Huskies to T3 at the NCAA Championships. He placed second at both NCAA Central Regionals and the Pac-10 Championship.  He was also named to the Division I All-America First Team. The accolades don’t stop there - the rising senior finished his junior year as the 8th best player in Golfweek’s College Rankings. No big deal.

To say he’s good would be an understatement.

Nick was kind enough to chat with me yesterday night after he qualified. Take a gander at what he had to say:

You obviously played well today. What do you attribute it to?

I’ve been playing well the entire year. To bring that to the qualifier was cool. I went home to practice for a few days to prepare. I actually played with the other guy who qualified. I think we played off each other.

How are you feeling about your game?

Going into it, I didn’t feel great. But I’ve played the course a lot, so I felt comfortable. I kept it in play. On the second 18, I missed some greens, wasn’t able to get up-and-down a few times; other than that, I hit it well, hit a lot of fairways and putts.

What did you learn at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines that you’ll take to Bethpage this year?

I’ve experienced the crowds, atmosphere and emotions - Having felt them before will help. I’m looking forward to the environment and everything else. It’s just crazy.

That’s pretty awesome to compete in back-to-back U.S. Opens. Have you played Bethpage before?

No, I haven’t. It’s going to be sweet. I know the course is long. I’ll find out what it’s actually playing like once I get there.

You’ve had a rather impressive college and amateur career already. How does playing in the U.S. Open again compare?

Qualifying for the U.S. Open twice has been pretty cool. Winning the [2007] Canadian Amateur was another highlight and also competing in the World-Am in Australia in 2008. Playing at Bethpage will be up there.

If you could play with any player in a practice round or tournament, who would that be?

Tiger [Woods]. I’ve always admired him and looked up to him - to have the opportunity to play with him would be cool.

John Daly didn’t qualify, and you did! Any thoughts?

It would have been cool to have him there. I wouldn’t say I’m better than him.

I think Nick could beat Long John Daly. The kid’s got game!

I’d keep my eyes on him next week. He’s been playing solid all year, and winning the sectional as an amateur (two years in a row) can’t hurt his confidence. He’s going into Bethpage Black knowing what to expect after playing at Torrey Pines last year. From what I’ve gathered, his demeanor is steady, calm and collected. And we know those traits translate well on the golf course. With that said, I’d watch for him to breakout with a stellar performance, not to mention make the cut.

Best of luck, Nick. See you at Bethpage.

On Saturday, I attended the grand opening of the University of Washington’s brand spanking new Husky Golf Center in Hec-Ed Pavillion. Men’s coach Matt Thurmond and Women’s coach Mary Lou Mulflur did the honors, cutting the ribbon and welcoming everyone to the new facilities.

As expected, it’s nothing short than state of the art. There are two hitting stations with cameras that capture and replay your swing on big screens, a large putting area that also comes equipped with cameras to show your stroke, loft and lie bending machines, a gripping station, among other features. Upstairs the clubhouse has a lounge with a flatscreen TV, wireless internet (!!!), meeting room, kitchen and lockers. Pretty cool, wouldn’t you say? This and this might take the cake though!

The guys from the Men’s Team were kind enough to give me a tour of the center before the festivities began. Stay tuned for the video over the next few days.

Anyway, in the photo above, we have from left to right: Dylan Goodwin, Tze Huang Choo, Jens Bracht, Nick Taylor, Kevin Spooner, Chris Killmer, Me, Ty Chambers and Darren Wallace. (Richard Lee is MIA because he’s in New York playing in the U.S. Open sectional qualifier.) How cute are they? And they’re exceptional golfers.

This season, the Huskies won the Pac-10 Championship, placed second at NCAA Central Regional and finished T3 at NCAA Championships. They lost in the quarterfinals in the match-play portion of the NCAA Tournament. However, the team still ended the year ranked fourth in the country. Not to mention, they aren’t losing a single player next season. I smell a national title for the Huskies in 2010!

In related news, Nick was named to the Division I All-America First Team. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two others receive Second/Third Team honors - which should be announced today.

I have a feeling that we’ll be watching a couple of them on the PGA Tour in the upcoming years! Mark my words.