Swedberg, Johnson Tied for 2nd in Gateway #5

RIO VERDE, Ariz. -- Neil Johnson birdied the first three holes at Vista Verde on Tuesday, and Brett Swedberg birdied the last three. But both ended up in the same place, tied for second place after one round in the Gateway Tour's fifth tournament of 2012 with matching 4-under-par 68's.

Johnson, who owns the single round scoring record for the Minnesota State Open (62 at Bunker Hills) and Swedberg, who won the State Open in 2009, are one stroke behind the leader, Max Bonk of Kamuela, Hawaii.

Bonk, who won eight times during his senior year at Pacific University (Division III), was only 1 under through 10 holes. He then went 5 under in the next six holes -- including an eagle at the par-5 13th -- before making a bogey at the 18th for a 67. 

GATEWAY PRO TOUR

Arizona Series

Tournament 5

At Vista Verde

Par 72, 7,219 yards

Rio Verde, Ariz. 

First-round results 

1. Max Bonk, Kamuela, Hawaii                    67

T2. Brett Swedberg, Alexandria                 68

T2. Neil Johnson, River Falls                      68

T2. Jake Younan-Wise, Gilbert, Ariz.          68

T2. Eric Meierdierks, Wilmette, Ill.                68

T2. Benoit Beisser, Scottsdale                     68

T2. Trent Leon, Dallas                                   68

T27. Brady Schnell, Milford, Iowa              71

T36. Dave Schultz, Fargo                            72

T66. Brandon Askew, Fargo                       75

T66. Ryan Peterson, Eagan                        75

T66. Ben Freeman, Fargo                            75

T72. Josh Persons, Fargo                           76

T88. Neil Frederickson, Hugo                    82