Tanya Harrison: Leading with heart, swinging with style and baking with love
A proud South African who's called Dubai home for six years, Tanya's impact at JGE has been as much about people as it has been about pars. 'From the start, I wanted everyone to feel that this is their club,' she says. 'Whether she's a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time... Seeing friendships form and our section grow closer has been the most rewarding part of my captaincy.'
That commitment to inclusion has helped transform the JGE ladies' section into one of the UAE's most welcoming and tightly knit golfing communities. Under Tanya's guidance, the calendar has featured everything from relaxed social rounds to lively away days, events that don't just fill tee sheets, but help build lasting friendships.
'I also encouraged experienced players to buddy up with newer members, which helped break the ice and build confidence,' she explains. 'Most importantly, I've tried to keep our communication open and personal, checking in, celebrating each other's milestones, and making sure every voice feels heard.'
Tanya's leadership style is warm, informal, and instinctively supportive - traits that have helped her cultivate more than just a golf schedule at JGE, but a genuine sense of belonging.
And, she can play, too. A passionate and consistent golfer in her own right, Tanya recently teamed up with Mark Schoombie to win the 2025 JGE Open Scramble, one of the club's premier mixed events.
'Honestly, it comes down to consistent participation and remembering to keep it fun,' she says. 'Enjoying the game and playing with friends keeps my love for golf strong, which naturally helps my performance.'
Another standout moment came last season, when she led her team to a hard-fought victory over former Lady Captain Anna-Retha Rafferty in their annual match play clash.
'That match was such a highlight!' she smiles. 'Anna-Retha is a fantastic person, player, and leader, so to captain a winning side against her was like a double-edged sword. As much as I was elated, I was gutted for her team. But it really showed the strength and spirit of our ladies' section and how we come together.'
Now, as she prepares to hand over the reins to incoming Lady Captain Michelle Welsh-Hall, Tanya shares the advice she's learned along the way.
'Don't put too much pressure on yourself to get everything perfect,' she says. 'The ladies here are amazing and always ready to help. Keep things fun, bring people together, and don't forget to play your own golf! Lead with kindness and stay open, the rest will fall into place.'
Away from the course, Tanya has another talent that brings just as much joy to those around her - baking.
'I haven't baked in a while, but I enjoy getting creative in the kitchen,' she says. 'My kids love giving me big, fun requests for their birthdays, and I always try my best to make it happen.'
From princess castles to a lifelike NFL Lombardi Trophy, her cake creations have become legendary in the Harrison household. 'It's something I enjoy, and it's always rewarding to see their faces light up when I pull off their crazy ideas.'
Whether it's bonding through golf or celebrating her children's wildest cake dreams, Tanya's love of connection shines through.
Through it all, she's quick to credit her biggest supporter.
'I couldn't have done this without my amazing husband, James Harrison. His support, patience, and sense of humor got me through every step of the way as Lady Captain,' she says warmly.
As her time as Lady Captain winds down, she reflects on how deeply the JGE community has touched her life.
'JGE has meant so much: friends for life, a place to challenge myself, and a real sense of belonging,' she says. 'It's more than just a golf club; it's a community that lifts each other. Being Lady Captain has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Digital Dubai launches AI-powered 'Emirati Family', unveils first member
In a pioneering step to enhance the digital quality of life and reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for digital transformation, Digital Dubai has launched the first-ever virtual 'Emirati Family' created using artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative serves as an innovative platform for delivering government messages in a relatable, engaging, and accessible manner to all segments of society. Designed as an interactive digital interface, the AI-powered family represents Emirati society and reflects its values and aspirations. It also supports Dubai's vision of a smarter, more sustainable future. Digital Dubai introduced the project with the unveiling of the first member of the virtual family, 'The Girl', who made her debut in a short video shared across social media platforms. Dressed in traditional Emirati attire with a modern twist, the character is designed to be warm and approachable, especially for children and families, encouraging dialogue around technology, AI, and digital services. As part of efforts to encourage community participation, the character invited the public to help select her name from three options: 'Dubai', 'Mira', or 'Latifa'. The project will soon introduce additional members of the virtual family, including the father, mother, and brother, forming a complete digital representation of an Emirati household. Digital Dubai launches the first virtual Emirati family built using AI, that represents our identity, speaks various languages, and connects with all segments of society across ages and cultures. Itâ��s a step toward building a more community-centered and impactful approach towardsâ�¦ — Digital Dubai دبÙ� اÙ�رÙ�Ù�Ù�Ø© (@DigitalDubai) July 31, 2025 Powered by AI and advanced data technologies, the family will deliver engaging and educational messages about Dubai's digital services in a light and relatable manner for all segments of society. The initiative seeks to raise awareness of Dubai's advanced digital services by promoting the concept of digital life through an interactive, human-centred approach. It is designed to engage people of all ages, cultures, nationalities, and languages, through virtual characters inspired by Emirati identity and cultural values. Aligned with Digital Dubai's vision, the initiative supports the development of modern, AI-powered communication tools that reflect Emirati values while engaging new generations in their preferred digital language and style. Digital Dubai envisions these virtual characters as a relatable voice and an engaging bridge to raise awareness of digital services in an amusing, interactive, and meaningful way. The initiative supports Digital Dubai's broader goals of building a future where digital innovation enhances quality of life, promotes human well-being, and reinforces Dubai's position as a global leader in all aspects of digital living — including innovative methods of community engagement. Through this effort, Digital Dubai seeks to harness the power of AI to create a more resilient and people-centric digital future.
Cosmopolitan ME
2 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
Are you ready to meet the Kay Beauty lipstick & lush that broke the internet?
Kay Beauty, India's leading celebrity beauty brand co-created by Katrina Kaif and Nykaa is bringing its most viral, best-loved icons to the UAE. The Hydra Crème Lipstick and Velvet Crème Multi-Use Blush, two of the brand's talked-about makeup must-haves, are now available in the GCC -ready to meet the region's love for glam, glow, and long-lasting comfort. With its richly diverse and beauty-forward audience, the GCC is known for celebrating high-performance products that deliver on both style and substance – making it the perfect home for Kay Beauty's signature approach to effortless, skin-enhancing makeup. Whether you're embracing dewy day glam or soft, radiant evenings, these beauty essentials are built to keep up with every mood, every moment! Hydra Crème Lipstick Our most hydrating lipstick ever- created for lips that crave comfort without compromising on color. The buttery, balm-meets-lipstick formula glides on with ease, wrapping your pout in intense moisture and luminous pigment that stays put. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Moroccan Oil, and Lychee Extract, each swipe feels like a tall glass of water for your lips. Whether you're desk-bound or on-the-go, this lipstick delivers a fresh, hydrated look without any touch-ups. It's hydration-first makeup that doesn't sacrifice pigment—that's the power of #HydraCremeMagic. Available in 16 stunning shades – from everyday nudes to bold statement hues – there's one for every mood, moment, and skin tone. Katrina's pick? Panache – a soft nude that flatters every skin tone and works for everything from coffee runs to celebrations. Velvet Crème Multi-Use Blush This cream-to-powder blush is your shortcut to that soft-focus flush. Lightweight, blendable, and buildable, the formula melts into your skin, leaving behind a blurred, second-skin finish. Infused with green tea extract to refresh and tone, it adapts beautifully to every skin tone – just tap and blend for that naturally radiant glow. With four velvety shades to choose from, there's a flattering flush for every skin tone, every mood, and every moment. Supplied With Kay Beauty, it's all about makeup that feels like second skin and lasts all day. Loved across India, and now here for the UAE, these two hero products bring together high-performance wear with skincare-infused formulas-because your beauty should always feel like you. Now available at Nysaa stores and online at Follow @kaybykatrina for more beauty updates and inspiration. ITP Media Group newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
First Russian woman to complete English Channel swim opens up about UAE's endurance swimmers
Recently, Elvis Ali Hazarika, a highly accomplished Indian swimmer, made headlines once again by completing the English Channel swim, the iconic open-water swimming challenge from England to France, in a relay mode. A former South Asian Games silver medalist in 50m and 100m freestyle, the 41-year-old has been in hot pursuit of excellence since switching to open-water swimming eight years ago. His career highlights as an endurance swimmer also include a two-way swim between Cape Town and Robben Island. 'This journey wasn't just about endurance, strength, or cold waters — it was about the fire that burns within, and the love and support that surrounds you,' Hazarika wrote on social media hours after accomplishing the English Channel relay feat. While India may not have produced Olympic and World Championship medalists in the pool, Hazarika is the latest in a long list of endurance swimmers from the South Asian country. Endurance swimming in UAE So that brings us to the UAE, a melting pot of cultures and an elite sporting destination. The UAE has not only hosted the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in 2010 and 2021, but it has also produced swimmers who have qualified for the Olympics. So can we expect to see endurance swimmers from the UAE who can take on the world's biggest open-water challenges? If you throw this question at Natalya Pankina, a Dubai resident and the first Russian woman to complete the English Channel solo swim, you will feel a wave of optimism. 'It's not impossible. I am hopeful that somebody from the UAE will emerge and do this in the future,' said Pankina, who represented the Russian national open-water team for more than 10 years. Pankina then opened up about the challenges of becoming an elite endurance swimmer. 'To become a top (open-water) swimmer, you need to put in a lot of effort, you need to be mentally very strong,' she said. 'Also, the ability to cope with cold water in the sea is key. And last but not least, you need to be patient and wait for the right time after the right amount of physical and mental training.' Outdoor swimming is gaining momentum in the UAE with the Dubai Sports Council organising a host of open-water events, including the La Mer Open Water Swim and Arena Open Water Swim. 'In the last 10 years or so, open-water swimming has become more popular in the UAE,' said Pankina, who moved to Dubai in 2010. 'So many events now happen here, and even many Emiratis participate in them. So it's very encouraging to see this, and hopefully someone will emerge and take the big challenges (in the future).' Need full-time swimmers Pankina was an elite athlete who also came tantalisingly close to winning a medal at the 2007 World Championship, missing the bronze by 10 seconds in the 25km open-water event. The UAE, on the other hand, sees mostly amateurs jumping into the seawater. Two such Dubai-based amateurs are Maher El-Tabchy, a businessman, and Eric Robertsen, a banker by profession, who share a love for endurance swimming. In March this year, El-Tabchy and Robertsen joined hands and swam 29 kilometres from The World Islands to the Dubai shore to raise awareness about autism and juvenile arthritis. 'Both of them (Maher and Eric) are very good,' said Pankina, who trains swimmers at I Love Supersport academy. 'Maher is stubborn. Once he sets a goal for himself in terms of what challenge he will take, he goes hard for it. Eric is also very strong and dedicated, and I know he has the ambition to do the English Channel.' But having an ambition alone is not enough to be ready for the mother of all endurance swimming challenges. 'They (Robertsen and El-Tabchy) have their families, businesses and jobs to take care of. They are not full-time swimmers,' Pankina said. 'They have taken some open-water swimming challenges abroad, but to do the big ones like the English Channel, you need to be completely devoted to swimming. That's why it's not easy for amateurs." Making of an endurance swimmer Pankina, who was trained to be an elite endurance swimmer from a very young age, completed the English Channel Solo swim in August 2007, becoming the first woman from Russia to achieve the feat. She took eight hours and 11 minutes to cover the distance of 33 kilometres from England to France. 'If I had started the swim 45 minutes earlier, I would have broken the world record for women,' the 42-year-old recalled. 'My time was 20 minutes ahead of the world record until the last five kilometres, but the weather conditions and the currents changed dramatically, and I lost out on the world record. 'Having said that, finishing it and becoming the first Russian woman to do it was a great moment in my life because the English Channel swim is so famous. But I also did a lot of open-water challenges in Russia, which were even tougher because of the conditions, the water was so cold!' While Pankina is proud of her English Channel exploits, she hopes to produce a swimmer in the UAE who can put the country on the global map of long-distance swimming. 'The most important thing is to have a special mindset because it's a huge mental work, the mental challenge is even bigger than the physical challenge,' she said. 'I was part of the Russian national open-water swimming team for 11 years, so I know how it works. You have to train for many years and many hours, non-stop. Physically, you need different types of muscles for long-distance swimming.' So does the UAE have such swimmers? 'Yes, we have some good swimmers,' she said. 'But we need to be patient with them, and they need to be patient as well. It's going to take time, but, as I said, it's not impossible.'
