LEADING THE WORLD IN BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH AND APPLICATION
Golf BioDynamics, founded and headed by Dr. Robert Neal, is a company dedicated to providing the best quality information on swing mechanics. We are constantly exploring new ideas and ways of analyzing data so that those who use our technology as well as players who access the coaches in our network get the latest and most scientifically sound advice and experience. Numerous scientific papers have been published in research journals but more importantly, this information has been distilled and written in a form that the golfer and golf coaches can understand and use. We bridge the gap between research and coaching/playing golf.
To investigate all aspects of technique in golf, Dr. Neal has developed, and continues to update 3D motion capture software. The Ultimate System can be used for both applied research work as well as for coaching. It consists of an 8-sensor cabled device (Liberty 8-sensor tracker) with a specifically designed harness for golf (possibly a pop-up to one of the photos of a client in the harness). The Freedom System is a wireless system with three active sensors. It is the best system for the golf coach because it provides flexibility of use, ease of setup but with full 6DOF 3D motion capture. The research conducted by Golf BioDynamics has included full swing, short game (pitching and bunker play) as well as putting. Specific modules in the software were developed by Dr. Neal to allow this research to be completed, including integration with various external hardware including pressure mats and launch monitors.
Performance Enhancement with Scientific Research Underpinning it
The ability to translate the research findings into a form that is understandable to the golfer is a hallmark of the Golf BioDynamics systems. One of our often-used analogies is that we measure (accurately) and that provides us with the necessary evidence on which to base an intervention. The coach then uses the information to allow the player to develop the “feels” associated with a different movement pattern. This process defines the philosophy of the company. Measure – don’t guess!
PROS TRAIN WITH GOLF BIODYNAMICS
Dr. Neal has worked with hundreds of touring professionals, club golf professionals and teaching professionals. His unique blend of experience in golf coupled with his knowledge of biomechanics and skill acquisition allows him to develop training programs and insights for all levels of players. He modifies the experience every person has by tailoring the sessions to meet the specific requirements of each individual. He uses the 3D technology, analysis, reporting and biofeedback training (coaching) differently depending on a variety of factors including:
- The desired outcomes
- History/experience of the player
- Time constraints for practice
- Whether it is an “educational” session for a teaching professional or one designed at improving that person’s golf skills
- Preparedness of the client to engage in physical training to help facilitate change
For example, with a well-established touring professional, the GBD approach would be to establish the gold standard (technically) for that player and then, over time, ensure that he or she does not deviate markedly from that pattern of movement. For a young player who is about to embark on a playing career, some medium-term goals might be the focus (e.g., increase club head speed; gain better club face control; minimize stress on the lower back or wrist and so forth).
With his recently acquired knowledge on wedge play, many pros are seeking out his knowledge about this aspect of golf so that they can accelerate their skill development in this part of the game. Emphasis here would be on the correct blend or technique of how the body moves and then how it moves the club.
MEET OUR TEAM
DR. ROBERT J. NEAL
CEO/FOUNDER
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.
KAREN HARRISON
CO-FOUNDER OF GOLF BIODYNAMICS
Performance Coach | Sports Nutritionist
Karen Harrison brings over 25 years of experience in sports performance, biomechanics, and athlete development, with a specialized focus on golf. She holds multiple formal qualifications in the allied health sciences, including a Diploma of Applied Science (Podiatry), a Postgraduate Diploma of Science (Human Movement Studies), and the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) Diploma in Sports Nutrition. She is currently pursuing her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Karen began her career in Australia as a podiatrist, working across diverse settings such as hospitals, community health centers, and private sports medicine clinics. This experience cemented her commitment to a multidisciplinary approach to health, wellness, and performance enhancement.
As co-founder of Golf BioDynamics, Karen has been pivotal in its development since its inception. From 2004 to 2014, she was based at the Jim McLean Golf School in Miami, Florida, where she worked with players of all levels and coached professionals on integrating 3D motion capture technology into the golf coaching environment—both across the U.S. and internationally.
Karen most recently served (2014-2025) as Director of Health and Athletic Development at the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA)—one of the largest privately owned junior golf academies in the United States. Her role focused on enhancing performance and well-being in young golf athletes through the integration of biomechanics, 3D motion analysis, physical screening, exercise prescription, injury management, strength and conditioning, and sports nutrition. A key part of her work involved preparing junior athletes for the demands of collegiate golf in the U.S.
Karen has a deep understanding of the game and excels at linking technical skill with physical ability to build personalized development pathways. She now specializes in physical training and strength and conditioning programs tailored to:
- Optimize sports performance and reduce injury risk, such as enhancing power for increased driving distance or improving golf-specific mobility.
- Deliver long-term athletic development for junior golfers, particularly those preparing for college programs.
- Support rehabilitation for individuals recovering from lower back injuries or hip replacements.
- Provide sports nutrition guidance to ensure dietary habits align with training and performance goals.
Karen leads by example, maintaining a lifelong commitment to fitness through both resistance and aerobic training. Her personal journey—recovering from a serious back injury and bilateral hip replacement surgery in 2024—gives her unique empathy and insight into injury recovery and rehabilitation.
She is available for consulting, athletic screening (individual or group), and personalized one-on-one or small group training.