Golf Roundup : Walton Leads, Seeks 1st LPGA Win

Robin Walton held off several challengers Saturday in search of her first LPGA victory, shooting a four-under-par 68 for a 205 total after three rounds of the $230,000 Henredon golf tournament at High Point, N.C.

Walton, 30, an eight-year veteran of the LPGA Tour, finished the day two strokes in front of Betsy King, who shot a 70. JoAnne Carner and Debbie Massey were at 208.

Carner struggled to a 70 Saturday, while Massey charged into contention with a 67 on the 6,244-yard, par-72 Willow Creek Country Club course.

Walton, who has failed when in contention several times this season, said Saturday’s round built her confidence. Her best finish in more than 170 LPGA events was a tie for fourth four years ago.

“It helps to relate to a positive, realistic experience,” she said. “Yes, I was nervous today. Yes, I was worried. But I went out and played a pretty good round anyway. That’s got to help.”

Nancy Lopez was five shots off the pace at 210. U.S. Open champion Jane Geddes and Kathy Whitworth were in a group of four players at 211. Twelve players were within six shots of the lead.

Bob Charles of New Zealand shot a three-under-par 69 in the $200,000 Digital PGA Senior tournament at Concord, Mass., giving him a 36-hole tournament record of 134 over the 6,453-yard Nashawtuc layout.

Charles, who tied the course record with a seven-under 65 Friday, missed just one green in regulation and birdied the 18th hole to take a two-stroke lead over Gary Player and Bruce Crampton heading into today’s final round.

“I would have been 64 or 65 again if I had made the putts that I made yesterday,” the 50-year-old Charles said.

Crampton surged into contention with an eight-under-par 64, breaking the record of 65 equaled by Charles and Gay Brewer in the opening round.

Player had a 65 to go with an opening-round 71.

Alone at 137 was Chi Chi Rodriguez, the tour’s leading money winner. He followed an opening-round 70 with a 67.

Brewer fell out of a share of the lead when he bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes. His 73 put him at 138.