GOLF ROUNDUP : Estes Has New Grip on Putter, Game

Bob Estes switched putters and changed his grip last week. Judging by his performance in the first three rounds of the Greater Milwaukee Open, further adjustments aren’t necessary.

“I’ve had plenty of chances every year to win golf tournaments and just couldn’t find the putting stroke to get over that hump,” said Estes, who shot a six-under 65 Saturday and has a one-stroke lead over Mark Calcavecchia.

“Before, if I’d have been hitting shots as bad as I’m hitting them now, I would barely survive the cut. Now, it almost doesn’t matter where I hit it, I’m putting so well.”

Estes, winless in six seasons on the PGA Tour, had an eagle and five birdies for a 15-under 198 total on the Brown Deer Park Golf Course.

Calcavecchia, who lost in a playoff with Billy Mayfair in last year’s tournament, had two eagles and five birdies for a 64.

Bill Britton, who had a hole in one Friday, was two back after a 65 and Mike Springer (65), John Inman (66), Joey Sindelar (66) and Loren Roberts were three back.

D.A. Weibring, the first- and second-round leader, was four back after a par 71 along with Jay Don Blake (66), David Toms (67) and Jay Haas (69).

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Laura Davies shot a seven-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the LPGA State Farm Rail Classic at Springfield, Ill.

Davies, a three-time winner this season and the LPGA tour’s money leader with $615,811, was disappointed that she failed to approach the 62 that she shot in 1991 on the 6,403-yard Rail Golf Course.

“Sixty-five is a good score, but when you’ve shot 62, it kind of pales,” said Davies, who made the turn at five-under 31.

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Simon Hobday had a one-stroke lead when the second round of the GTE Northwest Classic seniors event at Kenmore, Wash., was suspended because of darkness. Fourteen players were to complete their rounds this morning.