More than a quarter of British sports fans believe they could score a goal in a Premier League match, with one in ten thinking they could survive a round in the ring with a professional boxer, a new survey has found.
How fans rate themselves
The survey of 2,000 adults who enjoy watching sport revealed that 14% reckon they could match a professional golfer over one hole, while 22% are sure they could outdo them in crazy golf, and 18% believe they could return a serve from an elite tennis player. Some 14% think they could complete a lap of a Formula 1 track without coming last, and another 14% believe they could finish a stage of the Tour de France.
Corin Rogerson, director of sponsorship for Staysure, which commissioned the research ahead of the Staysure Legends Tour, said: “Pro sport isn't as easy as people seemingly think it could be, but these findings show just how confident many fans are when watching from the sofa or the stands. It can seem easy when spectating, but in reality, elite athletes dedicate years to perfecting their craft, building the physical fitness, mental resilience and technical skill needed to compete at the very top.”
Why fans overestimate themselves
Those who believe they could hold their own against a professional athlete often overestimate their abilities, or think that the sport appears easier than it actually is. However, more than half (56%) also believe this is due to people underestimating just how skilled professional athletes truly are. Eight in ten reckon that watching professional sport can turn viewers into 'armchair experts' who underestimate the difficulty of playing at that level.
When it comes to golf specifically, 38% believe an amateur could stand a chance against a professional, attributing it to the possibility of one lucky shot (52%), and the fact that even pros make mistakes (51%).
The research, conducted via OnePoll, revealed that 82% find tales of amateurs and underdogs triumphing in sport inspiring, and 42% would be eager to watch a novice take on a pro golfer in a head-to-head challenge.
Corin Rogerson added: “As a nation, many of us are clearly willing to back ourselves when it comes to taking on the professionals, whether that is stepping onto a golf course, returning a serve, or lasting in the ring. It was a fun reminder of the confidence many sports fans have.”
The Staysure Legends Tour kicks off next week at Trump International Golf Links, offering amateurs the chance to play alongside professionals in its Pro-Am event.
