Quarter of sports fans believe they could score a goal in a Premier League match, new poll finds

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. Many sports fans think they can hold their own and even score a goal in the Premier League Credit: Getty One in 10 claim they could last a round in a ring with a pro boxer Credit: AFP via Getty Images One in seven (14 per cent) think they could be on a par with a professional golfer over one hole, while 22 per cent are confident they could beat them in crazy golf, and 18 per cent reckon they would be able to return a serve from a top tennis player. While 14 per cent even think they could manage a lap of a Formula 1 track against the top drivers without coming last. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! It also emerged 14 per cent think they could finish a stage of the Tour de France without embarrassing themselves against the competition. The study was commissioned by Staysure, ahead of the Legends golf tour sponsored by the brand, which gets underway next week at Trump International Golf Links, and 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.” Most read in Sport But the research found reality clearly does not hold people back, as 57 per cent reckon there are some adults who think they could compete with a professional athlete. While 66 per cent of those put this down to some simply over-estimating their own abilities, 59 per cent believe it’s due to the sports looking easier than they are. More than half (56 per cent) also think it’s due to people undervaluing just how skilled the sportspeople really are. With 80 per cent believing 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 per cent think an amateur would have a chance against a professional, believing it can all come down to one lucky shot (52 per cent), and because pros make mistakes too (51 per cent). The research, carried out, via OnePoll, found 82 per cent find stories of amateurs and underdogs triumphing in sport inspiring, and 42 per cent 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.” Comment now