Karen Harrison
Director of Health and Athletic
Development
Get to Know the BGGA Staff
Describe your role at BGGA?
My professional objective is to assist in the
performance enhancement and general well-being of
golf athletes through the application of biomechanics,
3D technology, fitness screening assessments, exercise
prescription and sports nutrition.
I have 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.
Currently my goal is to improve the ‘physical literacy’
of all my students, ensuring that they have fun while
acquiring the sound fundamental movement skills
and athletic abilities (balance, co-ordination, posture,
flexibility, strength and power) required to achieve their
sporting goals.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I love the variety that each day at BGGA presents in
terms of challenges. The chance to continue to grow
professionally and personally, to work as part of a
team, teach with my fellow S&C coach Justin Smith and
to interact with young developing golf athletes on a
daily basis is both rewarding and enjoyable. Ultimately,
helping others reach their goals and enhance
performance provides enormous job satisfaction.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever
received?
At least to some extent, if you can control your
thoughts, you can control your emotions. Thus, thinking
positively about a situation is more likely to lead to a
positive outcome and negative thoughts and emotions
often attract the like. This message came from my
mother who was a champion athlete (fencer) at an age
when I had started competing at a high level.
Favorite sport besides golf?
Like many Australians, growing up in Brisbane with
great weather, I was involved in many sports, so
choosing one is nearly impossible. My favorite sports
were netball and fencing.
What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
Marinated salmon cooked medium rare on our
bar-b-que with fresh veggies or salad.
What is always stocked in your refrigerator?
Love a well-stocked fridge! Fruit and veggies mostly
with some diary… and I love raspberries.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would
it be and why?
For the family/friends, lifestyle and beaches – Australia.
For the food – Italy. For the professional/work
opportunities – the U.S.
Is there anything you are addicted to, or can’t live
without? Good health…and my husband Rob! On a
darker note, chocolate! It’s my secret addiction, al-
though it is well-controlled these days.
What movie do you watch again and again?
There are many I have watched multiple times, most
recently… Heartbreak Ridge – love Clint.
Where is your favorite place to travel and why?
Home to Australia for family and friends, Italy for the
history and the food and New York simply because it is
just an incredible place.
What’s three things we don’t know about you?
1. I spent almost 15 years studying and working as a
Podiatrist (foot doctor) in Australia.
2. I spent 10 months backpacking around the world in
my early twenties – the longest holiday I have ever had!
3. In two weeks, I graduate in Switzerland (Lausanne)
at the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Head-
quarters with a certificate in Sports Nutrition.
Favorite quote?
Clint Eastwood (Heartbreak Ridge) – “Improvise,
adapt, overcome”!
Eat well, travel often! Unknown.