Sports fans share how they'd fare against pro athletes

A quarter of sports fans reckon they could score a goal in a Premier League match, while one in 10 claim they could last a round in the ring with a pro boxer. The study of 2,000 adults who enjoy watching sport found many think they could hold their own against some of the best athletes in the world.

One in seven (14%) think they could be on par with a professional golfer over one hole, while 22% are confident they could beat them in crazy golf, and 18% reckon they would be able to return a serve from a top tennis player.

Some 14% think they could manage a lap of a Formula 1 track and not come last, while another 14% think they could finish a stage of the Tour de France.

The study was commissioned by Staysure, ahead of the Staysture Legends Tour. The tournament which gets underway next week at Trump International Golf Links, gives amateurs the unique opportunity to play alongside the pros in its Pro-Am event.

Corin Rogerson, director of sponsorship for the insurer, 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.

“It is easy to underestimate just how difficult these sports are until you are faced with the speed, pressure and precision involved.

“That is what makes watching the professionals do what they do so impressive.”

Those who think they could compete against a professional athlete, put it down to over-estimating their abilities, or because they believe the sports looks easier than they are.

However, more than half (56%) also think it’s due to people undervaluing just how skilled the sportspeople really are. Eight in ten believe that watching professional sport can make people become ‘armchair experts’ who underestimate how difficult it is to play at that level.

When it comes to golf in particular, 38% think an amateur would have a chance against a professional, believing it can all come down to one lucky shot (52%), and because pros make mistakes too (51%).

The research, carried out, via OnePoll, found 82% find stories of amateurs and underdogs triumphing in sport inspiring, and 42% would be keen to watch a novice take on a pro golfer in a head-to-head challenge.

Corin Rogerson for Staysure 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.”