GOLF BIODYNAMICS - Key Persons
Dr. Robert Neal is the co-founder/CEO of Golf BioDynamics, a company that produces 3D motion capture and analysis systems for golf professionals and golfers. He was a university professor for 15 years at the University of Queensland in Australia, prior to starting his business.
Robert completed his undergraduate education (B.Ed. - Health & Physical Education) in Wollongong, Australia. His initial qualification was as a teacher but after working two and a half years as a primary and then high school teacher, he moved to Queensland where he began his postgraduate education. He completed a Master's Qualifying degree and his thesis was the first 3D kinematic and kinetic evaluation of the golf swing. He then went on to complete a PhD at the same university this time examining segment interactions in throwing.
After leaving academic life, Rob has developed a strong reputation in the golf industry as a trusted name in biomechanics and motor skill acquisition. He continues to do applied research and has developed tools to allow his hunger for knowledge and understanding to be satiated. He is always open to learning from others and he maintains collaborations with multiple universities in North America, Europe and Australia.
He is a leader in the measurement of golf swing mechanics and the application of theory to golf coaching. His systems of analysis and biofeedback training are cutting edge and he continuously searches for ways to improve the efficacy of golf coaching.
Rob is a high-level amateur golfer having competed in multiple Australian, state and county amateur championships. His best finishes were runner-up in the Australian foursomes' championship as well as in the Australian sand greens championship. While these days he does not play as often as he would like (what golfer does?!), he still manages to shoot scores in the mid-70's. He has been a lifelong fitness advocate, so he exercises regularly, riding a bike and working out in the gym.
Job Titles:
- the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science
Job Titles:
- the Swiss Golf Performance Lab / Swiss Golf Bubikon / Kamoos 8606 / Bubikon
Job Titles:
- Total Golf Analysis / Station Road / Styal / Cheshire SK94JN
Job Titles:
- Escuela Técnica De Golf / Golf La Moraleja
Job Titles:
- the Swiss Golf Performance Lab
Ms. Harrison holds multiple formal educational qualifications, primarily in the allied health area, including a Diploma of Applied Science (Podiatry), a Postgraduate Diploma of Science (Human Movement Studies) and the IOC Sports Nutrition Diploma. Over the course of her career, Karen has experienced many different work environments ranging from hospital podiatry, private podiatry, self-employed working as a podiatrist within a busy sports medicine practice, as the marketing manager of Golf BioDynamics and most recently as the Director of Health and Athletic Development at a large junior golf academy. She is also a co-founder of Golf BioDynamics and has been instrumental in its development and growth over the last 18 years.
Her professional objective is to assist in the performance enhancement and general well-being of golf athletes through the application of biomechanics, 3D motion measurement technology, fitness screening assessments, exercise prescription and sports nutrition. She has a strong passion for helping young, developing golfers achieve their goals and can provide a wealth of knowledge and experience in sport and in golf. The goal of her physical training interventions is to improve the physical literacy of her clients, ensuring that they have fun while acquiring the sound fundamental movement skills and athletic abilities (balance, co-ordination, posture, flexibility, strength and power) that are required to achieve their sporting goals.
While Karen rarely plays golf, she understands the game intimately and can link technique with physical movement skills and athletic development. She has always been physically active herself and lives that philosophy by engaging in both aerobic exercise as well as resistance training regularly. Her recent interest in nutrition ensures that her clients' and her body are given the best fuel to optimize performance.