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
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 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.'
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Golf has long been trying to rid itself of the outdated and innacurate generalisation that it is for the upper classes.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Perhaps it is this outdated stereotype that has brought the game to a hault during these lockdowns.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
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!
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 meš¤¦
This from a man that owns Ā£72.2 in assets and is the CEO of a Ā£130 million pound gym chain. But brands golf as a rich peopleās 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
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 š #Golfhttps://t.co/xm8rzEbzVU
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
Rich peoples sports???? Are you serious??? You can play a round of golf at some places for under Ā£10 a round…. and by a second hand starter set of golf clubs for Ā£50! #Clueless#Golfhttps://t.co/eloqgpAkRP
Comments like this are still what gives Golf a bad name 𤯠Itās surprisingly cheap and easily accessible ! Golf and Tennis are definitely not rich peopleās sports these days šš¤¦āāļø https://t.co/GMFsYhxrTf
Iām enriched from having been lucky enough to play golf & tennis for many years but Iām certainly not rich and no where near as rich as multi-millionaire Humphrey! #Deludedhttps://t.co/yKJyVRAgDS