Last week, Nick Taylor was content just to be named as one of three finalists for the Ben Hogan Award - NCAA golf's most esteemed individual recognition.

But on Monday, while most were recovering from the May long weekend, Taylor was making Canadian golf history by being named the winner of the 2010 Ben Hogan Award during a ceremony at the Colonial Country Club in Dallas, Texas.

Feelings of contentment have now been replaced by awe of being Canada's first ever amateur golfer, as well as the first athlete from the University of Washington, to be given the award handed down by one of golf's most legendary names.

"I didn't really expect this," said Taylor in a release issued by the University of Washington Huskies golf team.

"Growing up in small town Abbottsford, Canada golf is not the first sport you think of when growing up. It's always hockey. When I chose golf, I dedicated to it and I was determined to play well and it started all the way from junior golf all the way up to playing at the University of Washington. It's just been a ride that I've enjoyed with my team at Washington."

The award also caps off an amazing collegiate career for Yale Secondary grad, Taylor, who began his illustrious, yet still promising career at Ledgeview Golf and Country Club in Abbotsford.

Twice he has been named the Pac-10 Co-Golfer of the Year. He is currently atop the Players World Amateur Rankings, and for 21 weeks last summer he occupied the No. 1 position in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Taylor was also the top amateur at last year's U.S. Open at Bethpage Black in New York. He finished the event tied for 36th and even spent time on the main leader board as golf's second major of the season began competition on Day 3.

"What an amazing way to cap off a historic career at Washington," said Washington head coach Matt Thurmond in a release.

"Having his name attached to Mr. Hogan is certainly fitting and appropriate. He deserves any and every award he gets. He is an amazing player, person, and teammate. I suspect many more awards await him."

Despite his most recent success, Taylor will have very little time to bask in the glow of the award.

He must now focus his attention on winning a regional qualifying tournament on June 7 in order to be a part of the field at this year's U.S. Open.

This year's tournament begins June 17 from the scenic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

- With files from the University of Washington Huskies

editorial@abbotsfordtimes.com