At The Eighth Hole - You've come a Long Way Baby

Some time before six a.m. on a dewy nippy morning at the Golf Greens in Bangalore.

A group of three men (along with their dedicated caddies) were restlessly awaiting the arrival of one who would complete the four-ball and let them tee off when their tee-time came. The minutes were ticking by and they dreaded the letter (Memo, it is officiously called) which came from Honorary Secretary the pulling up all those who did not show up after booking the time-sheet.

Sixth of an hour and still no show!

Till a saviour angel walked by. 'Hi guys', she said cheerily. 'Waiting for a fourth? Mind if I join your three-ball?' 'Oh yeah, do!', they chorussed, even while they did the typical male mental shrug about ladies' tee, minding their language around the lady and all the male cracks at lady drivers (even if they be golf drivers!). But the caddies- they knew her better! Knew that she meant business and that her drive was as straight and long as her corporate strategies. They'd be safe in putting their money on her.

Of course the game started and the three golfers felt special to be actually playing with such a powerful woman- whom they have known only from the talk at the nineteenth or all those Page 3 reports. Her power came through in her drive. It was a Big power game with the three alpha males strutting while the most powerful of the four ball was, the lady.

Grudgingly they were coming around to admit that her drive was as good and straight on the golf course as her shots reportedly were in the corporate circuit. They were totally in awe of her game and then it happened.

She suddenly turned to her caddy at the Eight hole and issued some rapid fire instructions.

The guys looked at each other in loud silence- had they actually heard her saying 'that'?

She realised their sudden discomfort and repeated calmly and clearly for their befuddled male brains. 'OK guys, I have started my period and I've have asked the caddy to go and fetch me some pads. You guys can walk ahead and I'll catch up with you at the 9th hole. '

She directed them to move but set off herself before they could collect their faculties. She left three golfers agape in her wake!