"Macquarie University set me up for success in so many ways," says Jack Cowled, who, after his Bachelor of Science, went on to graduate with a Master of Chiropractic in 2012. "Collaboration was really encouraged, both by staff and students, and it’s a skill you really need when you’re in the real world – learning to work together in that environment was invaluable."

While he may have left behind what he remembers as Macquarie’s open, welcoming and unpretentious campus some time ago, this focus on collaboration has endured, leading to strong personal and professional connections. "Chiropractic is a five-year degree where you’re with the same cohort for the whole time – you become really close," he explains. "By fourth year, you’re spending around 30 contact hours a week on site, so your lecturers, tutors and classmates really do become like family."

After graduation, Mr Cowled moved to Scotland, where he practiced chiropractic care in a clinic near Ayr, close to renowned Scottish golf courses. There, he began working with amateur and professional golfers, combining his postgraduate studies in biomechanics and his clinical expertise.

"I applied my knowledge to golfers and, by creating new ways to assess and treat them, we got some really good changes. Golf is one of the hardest sports in the world, and even tiny changes in body mechanics can make a huge difference to club path and ball flight," he explains.

His success in this area soon led Mr Cowled to work with Titleist, the American brand of golf equipment, and the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). "I studied with Titleist in Shanghai and TPI in San Diego, and in 2019, brought what they’re doing to Australia by opening BioGolf. All our practitioners are trained by the Titleist Institute to assess people correctly and ensure that change is created – that’s our point of difference."

True to the company’s tagline – don’t guess, assess – BioGolf focuses on evaluating biomechanics and helping golfers develop a swing that matches their body. It all started with one-on-one sessions, then small group classes were introduced. Now, there are seven locations in Sydney and Melbourne with plans to expand to Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

"Our goal is not just to provide the best service at each location, but to make golf more accessible for everyone,’ he says. With golf expenditure and participation enjoying significant market growth thanks to COVID, when it was a safe and popular sport, and LIV Golf, which has increased visibility and engagement, it’s proving to be a smart business move."

"I wouldn’t say I timed the market, but I definitely jumped in at the right time," he reflects, and signing an agreement with Big Swing Golf Australia to bring BioGolf into all 27 of their nationwide venues bears this out. "It’s been huge,’ he says. ‘Alongside that, we’re conducting a biomechanics research project, developing an understanding of biomechanics in the All-Abilities golf space, and building an online program that integrates with new golf technology."

He’s also just signed on with the team at the Make Me Good at Golf podcast – comedians Peter Hellier and Anthony Lehman, and commentator and former Australian cricketer Damien Fleming. "I’m a recurring expert – we’ll be filming special episodes on course, in simulator and in studio, focusing on BioGolf techniques and assessments that can make them good at golf."

With business on an upward trajectory, true to his Macquarie experience, collaboration has become a core business tenet. "We have great partnerships with not just Big Swing and Titleist, but other major companies and events as well, including Drummond Golf and the Australian Open," says Mr Cowled.

"It’s always exciting to see golf from inside the ropes, and it’s an opportunity to treat professionals individually. Golf requires proper patient–practitioner relationships," he explains. "I want people to understand exactly what we do and love it, not just come once and leave – it’s all about building real relationships and genuine, long-term connections."

With professional satisfaction clearly the real measure of success for Mr Cowled, where to next? "We’re growing steadily using market research and program development, and it’s working. We also have plans to scale quickly with investment, and are always seeking good people who share our vision, including investors."

"We’re also open to messages and connections from chiropractors and other health professionals with an interest in golf, especially Macquarie graduates," he adds. "Often, people don’t know how to combine their passion with their skillset – we give them a way to do that. We’d love to be able to offer internships too, where students can get practical experience before they graduate, so that’s in discussion at the moment."

And what advice does he have for chiropractic students or young alumni who want to start their own business? "My advice would be to observe a wide range of clinics and businesses. Work out what type of chiropractor you want to be, what sort of business you’d like to run, and how you want to scale it."

"Talk to your tutors about what they wish they’d known, and don’t just stop there – speak to business students and people in the wider business world. Seek out that business knowledge to complement your chiropractic education," he encourages. And, for a perfect round, he’d also add to find an area you’re passionate about, and surround yourself with good people. Sounds like a recipe for success, for sure.

Jack Cowled's bio

Jack Cowled holds a Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) (2010) and a Master of Chiropractic (2012) from Macquarie University. The CEO and founder of BioGolf, his journey in golf-specific biomechanics has been shaped by over a decade of dedication to understanding a patient’s movement patterns and building strength to support them. His approach integrates a deep understanding of functional movement with personalised rehabilitation programs, aiming to enhance the longevity and strength of a golfer’s play.

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