Hard on his heels are defending champion Vic Kyatt III of Birmingham and former State Four Ball champion Hunter Bronson of Montgomery, both of whom shot 69.

Former State Mid-Amateur champion Matt Johnson of Dothan, Anniston’s Freeman Fite and Birmingham native Claud Cooper all shot 70 to be two back entering Saturday’s second round.

This 54-hole championship is conducted at stroke play by the Alabama Golf Association and will conclude on Sunday.

The last time Wynlakes hosted the Mid-Amateur in 2010 Taylor was also in the thick of the action, eventually losing in a playoff to Steve Hudson.

Friday Taylor matched birdies on Nos. 1, 4, 8, 10, 13, 14 and 15 against bogeys on holes 2, 9 and 18.

“I play every round of the year that I play at Wynlakes. I don’t travel for golf. I play most Saturday mornings with my buddies,” Taylor, who was born and raised in Montgomery and played golf for Troy University, said.

“The last time I played a three-round tournament was when this (the Mid-Amateur) was at Wynlakes five years ago.

“If I can keep my nerves in check I’ll do OK and I’ve got a chance, as I know the course very well and can use my local knowledge to my advantage. I certainly know all the ins and outs of the course.”

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