As the afternoon winter sun stretched gently over Borrowdale Brooke, I arrived at the prestigious golf club with a mix of excitement and curiosity. My first stop was the golf shop nestled near the entrance. Inside the corridors, the walls proudly displayed plaques of record-breakers dating back to the early 2000s, a testament to the legacy and competitive spirit the club has nurtured over the years. With time to spare, I wandered out into the golf range, soaking in the serene green surroundings, the rhythmic sound of golf balls being struck, and the distant rustle of trees that line the fairways. It was the kind of peacefulness that makes you forget about everything else.

Then came the highlight of the day, my golf lesson with Coach Pepukai. Patient and passionate, he introduced me to the basics, beginning with posture and how to hold the golf club properly. He used clever visual cues to guide me, “I” – holding the club straight up in the air, “A” – spreading your legs slightly to form a stable stance, “Y” – lowering the club in front of you with your arms extended, resembling the letter, and “L” – lifting the club back slightly as you prepare for the swing.

Of course, as any first timer, you can guess, my first few swings missed the mark… literally. I watched in suspense as the ball remained defiantly still. Pepukai chuckled kindly and reminded me, “Never take your eyes off the ball.” That mantra quickly became my focus. I was given 25 balls to practice with. They seemed plenty at first, but once the swing started feeling more natural, they disappeared quicker than expected… 6, 3, 1 and suddenly, it was 5 pm and the range was closing.

The evening took a delicious turn as we wrapped up the day with dinner at Fig and Olive. A delightful three-course meal was waiting, paired perfectly with cocktails and smooth red wine. The warmth from the outdoor heaters cocooned us as Nikki’s soulful voice floated through the space. Her singing was nothing short of enchanting. She knew she was talented, but I made sure to remind her one more time on my way out. From beginner’s swings to gourmet bites and live music, my Friday at Borrowdale Brooke golf club turned out to be a charming escape into both sport and serenity.