From NAGA Magazine Spring 99    John was a golf fan prior to losing both legs in a 1970 industrial accident. John was able to learn about the amputee golf community through a co-worker. The fellow employee read a story about a upcoming tournament that was to take place at Marshfield Country Club. Fortunately for many of us John decided to become a major part of this group.    Frank Cothran was the contact for that tournament at Marshfield and like many other people John came across, a lasting friendship was created. Among the friends he counted as closest include Mike Hudson, Larry Van Sandt, and Gary Hooks. Also special are Moe Clayton, Vince Moran ,and Don Zommer.    John Bragan - "Amputee tournaments give me a unique time to meet and associate with other amputees, and to share stories and experiences. Its good time to learn about new devices out there and make lives a little easier"    John Bragan - "By not being an amputee, I would have missed all the truly wonderful relationships I've made over the years"    Even though he was such a great friend, he might have been an even bigger competitor. John won the Alabama State Amputee championship twice, the Orlando invitational, and also the 1998 National Amputee Multiple Championship. John represented the south by becoming the Southern trustee for the National Amputee Golf Association. He was also awarded the Soaring Spirit Award in 1992 for being Alabama's most outstanding disabled athlete.