8-Year-Old Girl Hated Attending Sister's Boring Golf Lessons. When She Took Her First Swing, Her Parents' Jaws Dropped (Exclusive)
8-Year-Old Girl Hated Attending Sister's Boring Golf Lessons. When She Took Her First Swing, Her Parents' Jaws Dropped (Exclusive)
Tereza ShkurtajSun, April 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC
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Harriet Bordman.Credit: Courtesy of Rob & Danielle Bordman -
Harriet Bordman from Yorkshire, England, first picked up golf while tagging along to her older sister Tilly’s practices
After testing her first swing “out of boredom,” Harriet’s natural talents quickly stood out to her parents
Today, Harriet plays regularly and is motivated by the idea of spending time with her sibling
On any given afternoon at the golf course, Danielle Bordman can be found watching one of her daughters chase a dream and the other, quite unexpectedly, discovering one of her own.
Her oldest, 11-year-old Tilly, has been making waves in junior golf competitions near their home in Yorkshire, England for years, a focused and driven young athlete with big ambitions. But it’s her younger sister, 8-year-old Harriet, who has quietly become the family’s most surprising story.
What started as a tag-along routine quickly turned into something no one saw coming — and it all began with a swing taken out of “boredom.”
Harriet wasn’t always interested in golf — in fact, far from it.
“[She] hadn't ‘enjoyed’ golf up until recently,” Bordman, 39, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “She decided to reluctantly give it a try because sitting in the cart eating snacks wasn't the true meaning of getting fresh air and being outdoors with the family.”
What used to be sideline entertainment slowly shifted when Harriet began stepping onto the course herself, following her sister from hole to hole. It didn’t take long for curiosity to turn into action.
“She learned how to play from her big sister, Tilly. Tilly is an avid player and is doing well in junior competitions,” Bordman explains. “Harriet comes to practice with Tilly and just happened to pick up a club out of boredom, and gave it a whack.”
That one spontaneous moment two years ago revealed Harriet’s remarkable and “totally natural” swing.
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Harriet Bordman.Credit: Courtesy of Rob & Danielle Bordman
What makes Harriet’s talent even more surprising is that she’s actually left-handed but plays right-handed, due to her sister’s “right-handed hand-me-downs.”
With plenty of time tagging along and some swing guidance from her dad, Rob, Harriet’s skills began to take shape. Still, talent didn’t automatically mean love for the game.
Harriet’s relationship with golf has been complicated, especially when things don’t go perfectly.
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“[She] hates hitting bad shots — trust me, they're not even that bad! But she must have got her ‘perfectionist’ attributes from her sister, Tilly, who is similar,” Bordman reveals. “So when a shot doesn't go to plan, Harriet 'hates golf because it's hard, it's tough, it's not easy, it's frustrating!' ”
At one point, Harriet’s dreams lay elsewhere entirely. According to her mother, the elementary schooler “always wanted to be a hairdresser or a makeup artist, not a golfer,” and often asked, "'Why do I have to go? Tilly wants to be a professional golfer, not me!’”
Harriet Bordman.Credit: Courtesy of Rob & Danielle Bordman
But what’s kept Harriet coming back isn’t pressure — it’s connection. Bordman emphasizes that encouragement, not force, has shaped Harriet’s journey.
“There was no truth in the joke about ‘forcing’ her to play golf. We have given Harriet so much positive feedback and encouragement about her golfing abilities in the hope she realizes her possible potential in the sport,” the mother of two shares.
Over time, that support and the joy of shared experiences began to change Harriet’s perspective, and now, the game has taken on a new meaning.
“[Harriet] adores her big sister. She is her best friend and biggest role model and inspiration. She enjoys playing golf with her sister the most,” Bordman admits.
Tilly and Harriet Bordman.Credit: Courtesy of Rob & Danielle Bordman
These days, Harriet is out on the course around four times a week, often turning practice into play. From friendly competitions to family challenges, the focus remains on fun.
And somewhere along the way, Harriet also makes time for competitions. So far, she has only competed in three events, including two 9-hole Rock Golf competitions. Just last week, she won her qualifying round to advance to the regional semi-final of the Faldo Futures, set to take place on May 11.
“Harriet made her own decision to enter a junior competition, but understands that she needs to put the work in running up to the event, to help her play as well as she can,” Bordman shares. “She now finds this a challenge and is eager to improve.”
Harriet Bordman.Credit: Courtesy of Rob & Danielle Bordman
What began as boredom has become something much more meaningful: a shared passion, a growing confidence and a bond between sisters that continues to deepen with every swing. And for Bordman, that’s what matters most.
“Harriet can be who she wants to be, and do what she wishes,” she tells PEOPLE. “It would be amazing to see both girls play golf side-by-side in the future, whether that be for a hobby or as a career. I am sure she will succeed in anything she puts her mind to!”
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Source: “AOL Sports”
