Dougherty's best finish this year is a share of fourth at the Wales Open

Nick Dougherty carded a bogey-free 66 in wet and windy conditions for a three-way share of the first-round lead at the SAS Masters in Stockholm.

Dougherty, runner-up in the event last year, eagled the 12th, his third, by holing a wedge shot from 142 yards.

Peter Hanson of Sweden and Pedro Linhart of Spain were also four under.

Ryder Cup player Robert Karlsson, the world number 21, who is the highest-ranked player in the field, finished in a share of 69th after a 72.

Dougherty, who made an early exit from the USPGA Championship after rounds of 77 and 82, said: "It's been a long while since I've had a round with no bogeys. I had plenty of them last week, that's for sure!"

Hanson, who was tied for 52nd at Oakland Hills last week, agreed that the Arlandastad course north of Stockholm was very different from the American challenge.

"It's an enormous difference," Hanson said. "Here the fairways are wider and the greens softer. You have to play aggressive and go for the pin here."

He started and finished with dropped shots but made six birdies in between.

"It was a good score," the 30-year-old added. "It's always nice to get one early in a tournament."