As a dimpled white ball disappears into the cup for a birdie, golfers rejoice in being able to draw a circle on their scorecards. But for freshman LSU golfer Brandon Pierce, making that mark impacts more than just his round of play.
While Pierce scoops his birdie putt from the hole and raises his fist in triumph, he also raises money for those in need.
As a sophomore at St. Paul’s High School in 2010, Pierce founded Brandon’s Birdies, a fundraising initiative for underprivileged children in his local Covington and New Orleans communities.
In the beginning, it was a humble project with donations coming from family and friends in Pierce’s neighborhood. He collected pledges from donors who committed anywhere from 25 cents to $25 per birdie. It was an idea his father, Chavgney Pierce, said originated from Brandon’s giving attitude.
“He came to me and said, ‘Dad I’d like to help give back, I’ve been very fortunate,’” Chavgney said. “He came up with the name … for every birdie he made, he’d give a certain amount of money back to charity, and he’d go out and raise the money for that.”
The modest proposal soon grew into a successful charity. Brandon has raised nearly $60,000 since 2010, even receiving donations from supporters in Georgia and South Carolina.
Each year, all of the money raised went to the Fore!Kids Foundation, which raises money for children’s charities in and around south Louisiana through events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. From there, half of the money is distributed to the organizations of Brandon’s choice.
Brandon has been involved with the Fore!Kids Foundation since he was 8, when he started out as a standard bearer for the Zurich Classic. Chavgney, an active member of Fore!Kids, said the foundation taught Brandon many lessons about golf and life.
“They taught me all of my values when I was growing up: honesty, integrity, just everything about golf and life mixed together,” Brandon said. “My dad, my mom, they always brought me up to have a caring, sharing and positive attitude, and I just felt like I needed to give back anyway I possibly could.”
Other charities Brandon has donated to include the CP3 Foundation, Hope House and St. Michael’s Special School, which provides students with special education needs. Brandon said the institution is close to his heart, as his late great uncle suffered from cerebral palsy.
Brandon’s benevolent experiences have changed his approach to golf and life. He’s learned that any day on the course could be his last.
Even his swings feel different than before.
Although he doesn’t need extra motivation to play well on the course, Brandon said it’s remarkable to think his golf skills could help a sexually abused or mentally challenged child.
“[One year] one of my birdies was worth $540 or something,” Brandon said. “It was like ‘Cool, I’m raising money. I’m helping out a kid in need.’”
Brandon plans to start up the Brandon’s Birdies campaign again while at LSU, but not quite yet. For now, Brandon said he’s focused on adjusting to college life but would like to start handing pledge forms out during winter break in preparation for summer 2014.
Chavgney, an LSU alumnus himself, said attending a large university like LSU will provide a higher platform for Brandon to get the word out about his charity, which could lead to more pledges and more fundraising.
Even in the absence of Brandon’s Birdies this fall, without the thrill of playing for something more than just the scoreboard, Brandon said he still can’t wait to hit the links for LSU.
“I love LSU. It’s in my blood,” Brandon said. “I can’t be more excited to be here. I’m pumped to be on a sports team at LSU.”
Brandon was recognized for his generosity when he received the 2012 Presidents’ Leadership Award, presented to him by the United States Golf Association and American Junior Golf Association.
During his acceptance speech, Brandon referenced one of his favorite golfers, the late Payne Stewart, who once said, “A bad attitude is worse than a bad swing.”
Brandon’s outlook is certainly different since the inception of Brandon’s Birdies.
Every stroke seems significant.