STEVE LOWERY picked up three strokes on the last five holes for a first round five under par 67 and a one stroke lead in the £1.2 million Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

Payne Stewart, twice a runner up in the event, former Masters winner Larry Mize and South African tour money leader Wayne Westner were on Lowery's heels after carding 68s in sunny but soggy conditions at Jack Nicklaus Muirfield Village.

Stewart shot a 32 on the back nine for his four under, while former Masters winner Mize shot 32 on the front side.

Nicklaus designed courses seem to suit Lowery as his only tour victory came on Nicklaus Castle Pines at the 1994 International and his best finish this year was in New Orleans, also on a Nicklaus course.

"I've played really well on this kind of course, which puts a premium on putting and on length," said Lowery.