Rani’s passion for golf sees expression in three interesting ways. She’s a golfer – one of the few accomplished lady golfers on the circuit. She’s also a very experienced coach – the only lady coach in Bangalore. Then, she’s Business Head – South, for Tiger Sports Marketing. For Rani, interestingly, work and relaxation have the same venue – a golf course.

How long have you been playing golf?

I started when I was 12 years old and that’s around 30 years ago, I guess. My early influencers were my parents who were both passionate golfers. My interest in the game stemmed from being so close to golf at a very early age.

How did you really learn to play golf?

You’ll be surprised how much you can really learn just by watching. In my early days of golf, I used to watch experienced golfers with a really keen eye – studying individual styles and playing patterns.

I must say I learnt a lot from the caddy circuit as well – caddies can share tips from the ground up.

Those days, there were just a handful of girls, who had the privilege of being able to practice and play with some of the senior members at the course.

How did you get into coaching

I have been coaching for around 6 years and have sort of grown with the game. I always believed, with experience, you have to give back to the game. A game that taught me so much and help me grow as a person. I love starting my day in the morning at the course and spending constructive time with young people.

In a way, coaching helps you improve your game.

Would you like to see more women taking to golf?

Quite honestly, I’d say that I am already seeing more women - both interested in the game and wanting to learn. The clubs on their part are doing a fair bit by widening opportunities and organizing dedicated tournaments for women. Associations like the Women’s Golf Association of India are also working at drawing more women to the greens.

What certification would you need to do a good job of training?

I have INGA certification and this is the first accredited programme for teaching professionals in the country.

Supported by the Indian Golf Union, The R&A and the PGA of Europe, the programme has carefully structured training sessions that follow a standardized format, anywhere in the country. So, if you start the programme in one city, you could continue in another if you find a coach with INGA certification.

What advice do you have for young women golfers wanting to learn?

One of the gaps I have personally identified in coaching programmes is the lack of sessions on golfing etiquette – which is as much a part of the game as technique and skill. As a coach, I make sure I spend adequate time on sharing keys aspects on golfing etiquette and behavior on the course. The right orientation in etiquette is what makes golf the gentleman’s game that it is.

Do you think golf as a game can help in the corporate world?

I have women friends in the corporate sector who tell me that golf does improve individual profiles. It also adds an interesting dimension to the person. Golf also helps from a networking point of view – so I’m not surprised when I see a lot of corporate professionals wanting to learn and make a mark for themselves.

How does a woman manage office, home and golf?

Some things don’t change, in terms of gender rules and role play. Women still have to balance work, family and leisure — which is not easy these days. Many men – I won’t say all, are still free from the responsibilities of managing career and home in the same 24 hours.