Calcavecchia returning to his old form at Iowa

DES MOINES, IOWA >> Mark Calcavecchia was carrying groceries into his brother-in-law’s house on Thanksgiving morning when he stumbled.

Calcavecchia’s right hand went through two panes of glass, slashing a tendon and leaving a finger dangling. Six months later, the 1989 British Open champion is finally playing like his old self.

Calcavecchia made a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole Saturday for a 4-under 68 and a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Champions Tour’s Principal Charity Classic.

“I like it here,” said Calcavecchia, who grew up in nearby Laurel, Nebraska. “A lot of good things going on here for me.”

Calcavecchia had a 9-under 135 total at Wakonda Club.

Joe Durant was second after a 68. Paul Goydos, Brian Henninger and Michael Allen were tied for third at 7 under, all shooting 70.

Calcavecchia entered the week with just one top-10 finish in seven events.