Twitter Goes Wild After Gym CEO Labels Golf ‘A Rich People’s Sport’
PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold attacked golf and tennis in his plea to open gyms as soon as possible...needless to say it didn't go down well with golfers
Twitter Goes Wild After Gym CEO Labels Golf ‘A Rich People’s Sport’
Yesterday was a big day for golf in England after the sport’s return was confirmed for 29th March in the government’s first phase of re-opening the country post-lockdown.
Whilst that date might not have appeased many in the golf world for being too late, some may think that golf is opening too soon compared to other things.
One industry that is desperate to re-open is the health and fitness sector, and it will be re-opening, according to the government’s plan, on 12th April.
This decision clearly didn’t go down well with PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold, who attacked golf and tennis in his call for gyms to re-open sooner.
“It’s all very well to hear that tennis and golf will be reopening at the end of the month, but let’s be honest, those are rich people’s sports,” the multi-millionaire gym owner told Sky News.
'It's all very well to hear that tennis and golf will be reopening, but let's be honest, those are rich people's sports.'
PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold says he fully agrees with the "notion of caution" but "we really need to get people back to fitness".https://t.co/IHKqFrRlK1 pic.twitter.com/C7Xb6RK0E6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 22, 2021
Needless to say, these comments did not go down well with the golfing population.
Golf has long been trying to rid itself of the outdated and innacurate generalisation that it is for the upper classes.
The game is more accessible than ever and offers up wonderful mental and physical health benefits in a safe environment for all ages, genders and races.
Perhaps it is this outdated stereotype that has brought the game to a hault during these lockdowns.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the Pure Gym CEO’s comment:
These people really do need to look beyond their own noses and see what a lazy, inaccurate generalisation that is in the 21st century. Yes, some golf clubs have a lot of 'rich' members; many others most definitely do not. You do not have to be rich to play golf… https://t.co/9giAhf4vzk
— Jezz Ellwood (@JezzEllwoodGolf) February 22, 2021
Make your point for Gyms @CobboldHumphrey and your business @PureGym by why do it whilst denigrating another sport? Golf is outside and naturally socially distanced. It is certainly not a rich person's sport. It is as mixed as gym membership!
— Richard Peabody (@richardpeabody) February 22, 2021
This is exactly the reason why we haven't been able to play Golf properly for the last 12 months. Ridiculous and uneducated opinions like this! Golf is not a rich persons sport! How the sport still has this image is beyond me
All for gyms opening as well but come on Humphrey https://t.co/iBZnvKjZjD
— Surrey Golfer (@SurreyGolfer) February 22, 2021
This from a man that owns £72.2 in assets and is the CEO of a £130 million pound gym chain. But brands golf as a rich people’s sports, whilst golf clubs have worked so hard to make it affordable for people from all aspects of the social ladder to engage in the sport we love https://t.co/DYrpZ2i5Ac
— Luke Gosling (@LGosling_Golf) February 23, 2021
Rich people's sport? I'm the tightest arse going! The stigma around golf baffles me. I dont comment on things i don't understand. Shame other people dont follow suit. Golf's like most sports and hobbies. Its as expensive as you want it to be. Such a shame to hear this #Golf https://t.co/xm8rzEbzVU
— Golf Globetrotters (@GlobetrotGolf) February 22, 2021
Golf a ‘rich man’s’ sport…
What a total p!ss whistle, golf is a sport for all ages, gender, ability and budgets.
My first set cost £40 from a car boot sale. First membership was £90. Golf is NOT elitist
I do feel gyms should be open as it’s absolutely needed. https://t.co/T6dshc8ynA
— Alex Orka Golf (@AlexOrkaGolf) February 22, 2021
Anyone can play golf or tennis, the second hand market is extremely affordable for those looking to get into the sport. Couldn't be more wrong with this post. https://t.co/b3qeos5NrW
— Michael Keefe (@mckeefe_9) February 23, 2021
This is exactly what is deterring young players from taking it up – putting a stigma on the sport causes judgement and fear for youth to play it. @PeterFinchGolf @GolfMonthly https://t.co/Qa5oMpBPwI
— Nathaniel Scott (@natscott2000) February 23, 2021
Rich peoples sports???? Are you serious??? You can play a round of golf at some places for under £10 a round…. and by a second hand starter set of golf clubs for £50! #Clueless #Golf https://t.co/eloqgpAkRP
— Matthew Lister (@MattyListerGolf) February 22, 2021
Comments like this are still what gives Golf a bad name
It’s surprisingly cheap and easily accessible ! Golf and Tennis are definitely not rich people’s sports these days https://t.co/GMFsYhxrTf— Kevin Healey (@Kevinhealey74) February 22, 2021
Golf in Scotland is not exclusively for the rich, extremely affordable. This idea is so outdated it isn’t real https://t.co/HzkKpDoXxf
— Christopher Maclean (@chrismaclean199) February 23, 2021
I’m a professional golfer.. and I drive a 2006 Ford KA. “Rich people sports” https://t.co/W85ed4mnjg
— Rhys Leggett Golf (@rhysleggettgolf) February 22, 2021
I’m enriched from having been lucky enough to play golf & tennis for many years but I’m certainly not rich and no where near as rich as multi-millionaire Humphrey! #Deluded https://t.co/yKJyVRAgDS
— Matt Blackey (@mjb_1971) February 22, 2021
Really sad to hear golf described as a 'rich people's sport' – completely wrong https://t.co/3FuHClNFqU
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) February 22, 2021
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