WEST ORANGE, N.J. (September 27, 2011) - After an impressive three-under-par 68, Niall Handley of Essex Fells holds the first-round lead at the 5th MGA Mid-Amateur Championship at Essex County Country Club in West Orange, N.J. The only competitor to shoot under par, Handley holds a three-stroke lead over his nearest competitor, Gregg Angelillo of Baltusrol, who finished with an even-par 71. The championship is an invitational consisting of the best 35-and-older players from across the Met Area, and Handley has a strong record in the event, with a T-9 and runner-up finish the last two years, respectively.

Handley, 39, won the Bergen County Amateur earlier in September and was paired this morning with two-time defending champion Dennis Lynch of Nassau Players Club, who finished with a 3-over 74.

"Today went very well," Handley said after the round. "I hit the ball really solid and hit a lot of fairways. I think I only missed two greens and overall I'm very happy. The course is very firm and in great condition. If you're putting well and standing over 20 to 30-footers, you feel you can make it."

It also didn't hurt playing with someone he feels comfortable with and who has also shown he has what it takes to win this championship. "I played with Dennis last year in the final round, he's a great guy and we get along really well out there. It's very enjoyable playing with Dennis."

Also in contention is 2003 Met Amateur champion and 2011 U.S. Mid-Amateur quarterfinalist Mike Stamberger of Spring Lake, who finished with a one-over 72 after an opening-nine 33. “I played great on the front nine and actually could have shot lower. Then I didn’t play at all on the back nine.”

The New Jersey native will rely on his familiarity with the course as he competes for his second MGA title.

“I love this golf course,” Stamberger said after signing his scorecard. “I’ve played a lot of tournaments here over the years. It’s in great shape I really enjoy it.”

Other players shooting 72 include 2010 MGA Mixed Pinehurst champion Michael Karger of Century;Justin Lomenzo of Great Rock; and Chris O’Keefe of Bethpage. Former Essex County member Clark Holle of MGA eClub-New Jersey finished with a 73, and is one of eight players within six strokes of the lead who are hoping to move up the leader board in the final round.

Other notable players to make the cut include 1996 Met Amateur winner Ken Bakst of Friar’s Head (75); 2010 MGA/MetLife Public Links champion Brian Komline of Black Oak (75); the 2007 and 2008 winners of this event, Mike Reardon of Tuxedo (76) and Greg Rohlf of Winged Foot (77); 2011 MGA Senior Amateur and 2010 MGA Senior Open champion John Ervasti of Sleepy Hollow (76); current MGA Vice President Jeffrey Holzschuh of Stanwich (79); and past MGA President and 2009 MGA Senior Amateur champion Allan Small of Fairmount.

A total of 42 players survived the cut, which came at 79. The course average was 78.9 and 96 birdies were made over the par-71 6,784 layout.