Article Source: Topgolf Glasgow
Last Updated: 19 April 2024 17:10
A whopping 34.2 million1 Brits (51%) have ducked out of a day’s work or other responsibilities to watch or attend a sporting event, with a staggering 3% of people admitting to missing the birth of their child – equating to 2 million2 of the UK population, according to new research.
The study, commissioned by gamified golfing experience Topgolf UK, examined British attitudes towards major sporting events ahead of the Masters Tournament, looking at what people had already missed, and what they would be willing to, just to watch or attend.
If missing a child’s birth isn’t bad enough, a further 4% of Brits also confessed to skipping a key childhood event, such as parents evening or sports day.
And when it comes to Glasgow residents, 5% have even admitted to missing an anniversary with a partner to watch sports, ranking as the number two city in the UK willing to do so, only behind fellow Scottish city Aberdeen (6%). Both rank over double the UK average (2%).
Men have been found to be significantly likelier to call in sick at work for the day (16%) to watch a sporting event – over double the number of females (7%).
When quizzed on which event have made Brits shirk their responsibilities the most, watching a one-off football game (32%) seems to be the most popular choice, with the football World Cup (27%), closely following in second. And whether you are from the green or blue side, people from Glasgow seemingly value club football far more than the wider UK, with over half (53%) polled admitting to shirking a responsibility to watch the footy.
Over half (52%) of Brits who have admitted to bunking off for sport in the past are seemingly great at sneaking around, with the shiftiest area for getting away with watching sport being revealed as Sheffield (66% of people), closely followed by Newcastle and Oxford (both 65%).
And for those caught red handed, actions and the consequences varied massively, with the majority resulting in a confrontational argument with the person spotting their wrongdoing (12%). Shockingly, in some workplace cases a new job was on the cards, with 3% of people admitting to quitting on the spot, and a further 1% being fired. One-in-20 (5%) tried to get even with the individual catching them red handed as a result of being exposed.
Some Brits yet to play hooky haven’t ruled out doing so in the future, naming that of the football World Cup (16%) once again as the sporting event that they might do it for. Employers, take note ahead of the summer! This was followed by a one-off football match to watch their club play (9%), and a Formula One Grand Prix (8%).
As Augusta rapidly approaches later this week, a massive 4 million3 (6%) would feign a ‘sick day’ off work to watch the season’s first Golfing major. Breaking the data down further, 14% simply wouldn’t bother with housework, a family meal (10%), or religious services (7%), and instead opt to sit back, relax and wait to find out who this year’s Green Jacket winner will be.
Michael Angelides, Senior Director of International Marketing at Topgolf UK, said: “With a jam-packed sporting calendar ahead this summer, starting with next week’s Masters Tournament, we thought it was the perfect time to examine how Brits fit sporting events around their everyday tasks… and it turns out many don’t!
“Whilst we don’t recommend people shirking their responsibilities, all four Topgolf UK venues will be showing the tournament in full on our big screens from Thursday right through to Sunday 14th April. Simply head down to and enjoy it with your friends and family at our venues in Glasgow, Watford, Chigwell or Surrey. Just be sure to let your bosses know it could be a late night, especially if Tiger Woods pulls off the unthinkable!”
Walk-ins available at all Topgolf UK venues to watch the Masters Tournament in their bar/restaurant areas available from Thursday, right through to Sunday. To book a bay at Topgolf, visit topgolf.com/uk/plan-a-visit/
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MOREFor many of the artists on this year's Mercury Prize shortlist, their early careers took them onstage at King Tut's, a venue renowned for supporting grassroots talent.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.
READ MOREThe King's Theatre Glasgow will host the Scottish premiere of NOW That's What I Call A Musical in 2025 and are delighted to announce that Sam Bailey will star as April!
READ MOREJoin a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!
READ MOREButeFest, the much-loved family-friendly music festival, returns to the Isle of Bute tomorrow, running until Sunday 28th July and set to welcome thousands of music lovers of all ages.
READ MOREScotland's leading fine dining restaurant, The Gannet, is supporting Scottish fisherman by collaborating with MacNeil Shellfish to create a one off indulgent seafood lunch next month.
READ MORECharity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MOREChildren's show The McDougalls In Toyland visits the Pavilion and venue staff talk favourite childhood toys.
READ MOREThe historic venue in Kelvingrove Park will mark the milestone with a specially recorded Squeeze concert, Doors Open Day events and the launch of a new webpage.
READ MOREMusic lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.
READ MOREA former contestant on Britain's Best Home Cook is popping up in Glasgow this weekend with her take on a traditional Filipino BBQ!
READ MOREGlasgow venue hosted creators from around the UK and national, local, and golf press on the eve of The 152nd Open Championship.
READ MOREGlaswegian actress Vivienne Carlyle will return to the iconic role of Mrs. Johnstone, having received nightly standing ovations for her powerful and poignant performance in the West End!
READ MOREDuncan Dornan is retiring as Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections after nine years in the role.
READ MOREApplications are open for the charity fundraising challenge supporting grassroots sports in Glasgow and the West.
READ MOREIn response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MOREThe landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MOREThe 2024 Merchant City Festival was enjoyed by 35,000 people as street arts, dance and musical performances brought large crowds to one of Glasgow's oldest districts.
READ MORETrust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.
READ MOREGlasgow's internationally renowned piping festival Piping Live! will showcase five acts as part of the Emerging Talent strand of this year's event.
READ MOREBuchanan Galleries is giving away 200 free scoops of ice cream on Sunday 21st July to commemorate World Ice Cream Day!
READ MOREOne Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin announces the return of Martin Thliveros as its new head chef, bringing with him a fresh approach to one of the city's top restaurants.
READ MOREOn 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
READ MOREThis month, VEGA - Glasgow's destination bar, restaurant and bowling alley, is turning three.
READ MOREDobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.
READ MORENeurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.
READ MOREThe Glasgow Clan are aiming to produce their own ice hockey stars of the future.
READ MOREActor, writer, broadcaster and 2020 I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here winner, Giovanna Fletcher is set to star as Rachel Watson in a new UK tour of The Girl on the Train!
READ MOREScottish premiere of the immersive art attraction welcomes more than 5,000 visitors over first weekend!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"