Brandie Burton: Success in Adversity

By: Jill Painter-Lopez - Oct 11, 2019

Brandie Burton’s golf career has been defined by two staples - success and overcoming injuries.

The Southern California native won two majors, the du Maurier Classic in 1993 and 1998 (then a major), which was a remarkable feat. Those two wins were among her five professional victories.

She had a great career on the LPGA Tour, which started with winning rookie of the year honors in 1991. Another career highlight looms as she will be inducted in the SCGA Hall of Fame this month.

But it came at a price as she’s battled injuries her entire career, and all the struggles that come with it. By her estimation, she’s had close to 30 surgeries, one or two a year since 1998.

Like any professional athlete, not competing and rehabbing takes a toll mentally. The 47-year-old Burton found another outlet to cope - coaching - but not in golf. She’s been an assistant softball coach for Aquinas HS in San Bernardino, coaching catchers and third basemen, since 2011. She helped the team to a Division 5 CIF Championship in 2013, but players have helped her more.

“I think it saved me, actually,” said Burton, a former catcher. “I didn’t know what to do. I was depressed because all I ever really knew was playing golf as far as making a living and always being around sports. I was at a loss. It really got me out of my funk and excited. It got me out off the couch. I was by myself being depressed. It was the same kind of competitive juices. It saved me because I enjoy being out in that team atmosphere, even though golf was an individual sport.”

Burton and that team will be inducted into the Aquinas High Hall of Fame in October. Burton, who went to Eisenhower HS in Rialto, recently recovered from lumbar spine fusion surgery in May. She spent plenty of time watching her favorite team, the Los Angeles Angels, while recovering. She’s swinging again but has had to limit her practice time.

She’s a lifelong Southern California native who lives in La Verne. Her home course, Arrowhead CC in San Bernardino, is still her home course. She was given an honorary membership there as a child (her family couldn’t afford membership there) and honed her skills there. Burton credits her junior golf career for laying the foundation for her professional career.

“Competing in high-end amateur events and junior events and learning how to compete under the pressure is what helped me ultimately achieve success and carry it out,” Burton said. “All my experiences in the SCGA helped me handle those much better, the nerves coming down the stretch, and ultimately helped lead me to winning.”

She’s ready for another comeback again. She’s playing on the Legends Tour, the women’s professional circuit for players 45 and older. She’s targeting her return at the Senior LPGA Championship at French Lick this week.

“I’m not playing a whole lot but it’s nice to see my mates I grew up playing golf with and get competitive again,” Burton said. “It’s just that challenge every day of hitting that little white ball. I miss the competition. Some people think I’m crazy to keep playing, but it’s not like I’m playing full time, just dabbling in it.”

And she’s working it all around two Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this month - We might have to call her Mrs. October.