Scot no loyalties: Glasgow and Aberdeen rank top cities to skip anniversary with a partner to watch sports
34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.
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/
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Celebrate the arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine with limited edition merch and sweet treats at Vue
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MORE
Search is on for the biggest craft beer fan in Scotland
Edinburgh’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 MORE
Celebrate the Gruffalo with The Royal Society for Blind Children
Join 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 MORE
National Trust For Scotland launches annual footpath fund appeal as countryside visitors climb
Charity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MORE
Music fans have a lot to look forward to at Vue in Scotland this summer
Music 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 MORE
The hottest party in town! Star names head to Glasgow for the Topgolf Open
Glasgow venue hosted creators from around the UK and national, local, and golf press on the eve of The 152nd Open Championship.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland launches search for the Ultimate BBQ Ambassador
In response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper launches photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
The landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MORE
Trust teams up with round the world cyclist to showcase accessible routes in National Park
Trust 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 MORE
Impact Arts celebrates 30 years of changing lives in Scotland and puts the call out for stories
On 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 MORE
Free gardening workshops at Dobbies for National Allotment Week
Dobbies 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 MORE
Series of Creative Workshops Support Neurodivergent Young People Across Edinburgh This Summer
Neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.
READ MORE
The top pipers and drummers in Scotland set to return to Renfrew
Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 20th July.
READ MORE
Top 10 regions where most books are set across Scotland
VisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.
READ MORE
TRNSMT 2025 confirmed as dates and tickets sales announced
Scotland's biggest live music event has been confirmed to go ahead next year, and fans can get their hands on early bird tickets this week.
READ MORE
Asda Foundation announces funding to transform community spaces
Community groups in Scotland to be awarded grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.
READ MORE
Nominations Are Now Open for BIH Spotlight Awards 2024
Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the third BIH Spotlight Awards.
READ MORE
Young Golfers Get Surprise Visit From Genesis Scottish Open Championship Trophy
On the first day of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, young golfers from across Scotland received a surprise visit from the tournament’s official championship trophy.
READ MORE
Borders stately home Floors Castle supports Cash For Kids with launch of Inflatable Insanity
Borders stately home Floors Castle is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Inflatable Insanity giant obstacle course this summer!
READ MORE
Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company return with To Save The Sea
Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens for 2024 with fans and artists encouraged to submit albums
Scotland's national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year Award, has launched, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Show and Tell gardening workshop
Dobbies is inviting children aged 4-10 to a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4th August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.
READ MORE
Vue to celebrate Scottish school summer holidays with fantastic family favourites
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holidays at Vue venues in Scotland.
READ MORE
Blast doors from secret bunker in East Kilbride go on display
Two steel blast doors from East Kilbride’s secret Cold War bunker will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MORE
Family fun for all weather at the National Museum of Rural Life this summer
From the farm's latest arrivals to the ever-popular historic farm house and museum, there’s plenty of family fun to be had at the National Museum of Rural Life!
READ MORE
Much anticipated Roxburghe Rocks music festival returns to Floors Castle
Borders' jewel announces sensational line-up of world-class bands for summer music spectacular.
READ MORE
Nordic Music Days to take over Glasgow this autumn
One of the world's oldest celebrations of contemporary classical music and sound, Nordic Music Days takes place in Scotland for the first time in its 136-year history!
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns in July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 6th and 7th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Vue to put family fun in focus this summer with new big screen child friendly content offerings
Vue has announced the latest set of family-friendly blockbusters arriving this summer, as well as a number of new ways for families and kids of all ages to enjoy time together at the big screen!
READ MORE
Take care of your summer garden with Dobbies
Garden Centre offers free summer plant care workshops across its stores.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"
