GRETNA, Neb.—A Gretna, Neb. man who had a brush with fame in 2008 as the golf buddy of three celebrities has died following a battle with lung cancer.
John Atkinson died Thursday at his home. He was 40.
Atkinson was a medical salesman when his essay was chosen from 56,374 others, earning him a spot to play in the Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge last June. Atkinson joined music megastar Justin Timberlake, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and NBC “Today” host Matt Lauer.
Atkinson finished the 18-hole round with a 43-over 114.
Atkinson was a non-smoker when he was diagnosed with advanced, inoperable lung cancer. He became an advocate for the Lung Cancer Alliance and had said he hoped the golf contest would raise awareness and money for lung cancer research.
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Information from: KETV-TV,
