SCARBOROUGH, N.Y. (August 23, 2011) - It's a picture-perfect day for the first round of the 96th Met Open Championship sponsored by MetLife at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, and at the midway point the 6,797-yard, par-70 layout is more than holding its own against the Met Area's best professionals and amateurs. Fresh off his appearance in the PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, Danny Balin of Burning Tree shot a three-under 67 and is one of only four morning starters to finish their first rounds under par. Balin, 29, was the runner-up to Bob Rittberger in this championship last year at Bethpage Black and over the last two years has gained valuable experience playing in two consecutive PGA Championships and contending for the PGA National Club Professional Championship.

"I'm happy with getting off to a good start," said Balin. "This is the marquee event in our area, and I've always strived to do well in it since I've been in this section for the last eight years. It's why we work hard, for this event. Especially last year, losing in a playoff, it gives me a little extra drive to do well."

Balin missed only one fairway and had birdies on the 5th, 6th, 15th, and 17th holes against just one bogey, on number 13.

One stroke behind Balin with a two-under 68 is another young pro who has tasted recent success, Kevin Foley of Neshanic Valley. Foley, 24 and the 2008 Ike champion, finished third in the 2010 Met Open in his debut as a professional. This year he won the New Jersey State Open at Hollywood Golf Club and is preparing for the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School this fall. First, though, his focus is on becoming only the fifth player in history to win the New Jersey State Open and Met Open in the same year.

"The Met section is arguably the strongest in the country, and when you look at this year's field and what they've accomplished, and I don't think many other golf associations can compete with what we have here," said Foley. "I got off to a strong start last year in this event and I'm excited to be back. It's been a focus of mine all year."

Foley made the turn at three under par and, while stumbled a bit with bogeys on the par-three 10th and 16th holes, he hit a 162-yard approach shot on number 18 to three feet for a closing birdie.

Joining Foley at 68 is 1997 MGA/MetLife Boys champion Tyler Hall of Packanack, and the only other player to shoot under par was two-time Met Junior champion Martin Catalioto of Darlington.

Two-time Ike champion Mike Ballo Jr. of Woodway shot a one-over 71, making a nice comeback after a three-over-par opening nine. Tarik Can of Hudson National and Gary Ostrega of Hyatt Hills also stand at 71.

A number of top players are on the course this afternoon and will look to make a run at Balin's 67, including the group of Morgan Hoffmann of Arcola, Rob Labritz of GlenArbor, and Frank Esposito of Brooklake. For updated nine-hole scoring and live updates via the Met Open blog and chat, visit www.mgagolf.org.