Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Yeah, but we're talking about here in the UK.
The Open on Sky - It's official
- Thread starter Wildrover
- Start date
Yeah, but we're talking about here in the UK.
ger147
Tour Winner
IMO the same applies in the UK.
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Have you seen the participation stats for Cycling and Golf? Guess which one is higher and increasing.
How old is Peter Finch?
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Who is Peter Finch?!
colint
Tour Rookie
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
I'd say think as with a lot of initiatives taken on their own, just keeping The Open on the BBC and doing nothing else will not make a huge amount of difference to participation numbers. So The Open going over to Sky wont change a lot of the issues the game has, and the R&A can reassure themselves that this is the right thing to do as they get more money.
I think the problem is that golf is at a stage in the UK at least, where there needs to be several coordinated new approaches over a wide range of issues to make a change. One thing taken on its own (relaxing dress codes, The Open staying on the BBC, pros taking less time to complete a round etc etc) will make a very limited difference. To me the great failing of the custodians of the game is they have let it get into this state where I would argue it is getting to the stage where a relatively large scale revolution/changes are needed to revamp the rapidly falling popularity and participation numbers (and I use the word 'relatively' on purpose as someone having their shirt untucked is the end of civilization to some people. But as I said, it is all relative). Where as small scale evolutions over a longer time period would have probably done the trick if they were started earlier enough and also done in a coordinated fashion. And the longer they leave it the worse it will get.
If the game is attractive to people then of course it needs to be on a channel where as many people as possibly can get access to see it. Where as if the product is not that attractive to start with to a majority of people, where it is shown makes little difference.
I think the problem is that golf is at a stage in the UK at least, where there needs to be several coordinated new approaches over a wide range of issues to make a change. One thing taken on its own (relaxing dress codes, The Open staying on the BBC, pros taking less time to complete a round etc etc) will make a very limited difference. To me the great failing of the custodians of the game is they have let it get into this state where I would argue it is getting to the stage where a relatively large scale revolution/changes are needed to revamp the rapidly falling popularity and participation numbers (and I use the word 'relatively' on purpose as someone having their shirt untucked is the end of civilization to some people. But as I said, it is all relative). Where as small scale evolutions over a longer time period would have probably done the trick if they were started earlier enough and also done in a coordinated fashion. And the longer they leave it the worse it will get.
If the game is attractive to people then of course it needs to be on a channel where as many people as possibly can get access to see it. Where as if the product is not that attractive to start with to a majority of people, where it is shown makes little difference.
MendieGK
Tour Winner
I have Sky Sports, and it means i no longer have to listen to Peter Allis drone on about all the Heathland courses he loves (Hindhead, Liphook, Ferndown) and young dorris from 1950 who used to walk her black lab across the 6th faireway every tuesday morning at 6am, come rain or shine
Sky will also most likely do what they did with the Ryder Cup and Superbowl and dedicate a whole channel to the event in the run up to it. Gives us the opportunity to watch classic highlights etc.
Good move in my view.
Sky will also most likely do what they did with the Ryder Cup and Superbowl and dedicate a whole channel to the event in the run up to it. Gives us the opportunity to watch classic highlights etc.
Good move in my view.
People go on about cycling but I don't see it as a particularly fair comparison. Once you have your bike and your lycra you can go out and ride. No membership fees, no green fees etc. Basically, once set up it is cheap to take part in. Very keen cyclists will no doubt join clubs but even then costs can not be high. The courses for cyclists, ie the roads, are paid for by the tax payer, they do not need to contribute separately to them when cycling. No wonder cycling is increasing in popularity. Virtually no barriers to entry, cheap to get involved. I do appreciate that "good" bikes can cost thousands but for a beginner that is not necessary.
Good for cycling that it is popular but comparing the two sports popularity using tv coverage as a weapon doesn't stack up. There is more to it than that.
Good for cycling that it is popular but comparing the two sports popularity using tv coverage as a weapon doesn't stack up. There is more to it than that.
you are right outside of the bike and shoes competitive racing isn't that expensive or didn't used to be. A 10 mile TT was only a few quid to enter and road races where not much more once you have a licence.
thing with cycling is participation has increased since it disappeared of mainstream TV, when i raced the Tour de France was on at peak time every night during the event on C4. if you really wanted to watch all the classics and other tours you had to have Euro sport, which i think came free with Sky.
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
Good point. I think the key point there is barriers to entry. As you say cycling has very few if any. Golf has plenty, some perceived, some real. And that is the crux of the issue to me.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
Cycling is mainly broadcasted on free to air telly
The track cycling is covered by BBC along with the World Champs
TDF is done by ITV
It has had maximum exposure to everyone
The track cycling is covered by BBC along with the World Champs
TDF is done by ITV
It has had maximum exposure to everyone
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
Good point, but I would also argue that a lot of the popularity of cycling has been from the success on the track and not just the TDF or other classics. And that has mostly been through BBC at the Olympics and since then increased coverage of other championships.
colint
Tour Rookie
The start up costs are probably quite similar, an entry level bike will be at least £250 but most upgrade that and typically spend at least £1000. There's then on-going consumables like tyres, inner tubes etc. Cheap set of clubs, balls, bag, clothes ? It's pretty close I'd say.
True nobody has to pay to use the roads as they're funded from general taxation, but nobody has to join a golf club, and my local municipal which is excellent costs only £130 a year.
We've had lots of successful golfers, and lots of successful cyclists over the past 10 years, but one sport is leaving the other behind. I think a lot of it is just to do with people becoming more health conscious, most people haven't got the time or money to dedicate to golf and something which will keep them fitter
True nobody has to pay to use the roads as they're funded from general taxation, but nobody has to join a golf club, and my local municipal which is excellent costs only £130 a year.
We've had lots of successful golfers, and lots of successful cyclists over the past 10 years, but one sport is leaving the other behind. I think a lot of it is just to do with people becoming more health conscious, most people haven't got the time or money to dedicate to golf and something which will keep them fitter
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
Golf has no barriers to anyone to try it. Most people start off with pitch and putt or a tryout at a driving range, and both will supply the neccessary clubs and balls.
Cycling isn't a cheap sport once you're into it. Equipment wears out, especially if not maintained for which the stuff needed to do the maintenance isn't overly cheap. Then there's the clothing etc.
The only real advantage for pushing cycling over golf is the health and fitness levels it will bring to the participants.
At the end of the day, if the masses cannot see something they will not try or have any interest.
Cycling isn't a cheap sport once you're into it. Equipment wears out, especially if not maintained for which the stuff needed to do the maintenance isn't overly cheap. Then there's the clothing etc.
The only real advantage for pushing cycling over golf is the health and fitness levels it will bring to the participants.
At the end of the day, if the masses cannot see something they will not try or have any interest.
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
I'd argue it has a bloody big one though for people to continue in that it is so hard to master. Where as most kids are taught to ride a bike at school now so they can get on and off they go. Boom, instant gratification and enjoyment.
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
For many years the TdF can be seen on Eurosport, and a damned fine job they had made of it. ITV have cottoned on to it now with reasonable coverage, but for a long time only saw fit to show a 30 mins highlight of the days riding.
colint
Tour Rookie
Yep I'd agree with that. You could go for your first ride round the block and keep back feeling great, but come back from your first range session hating it. Golf's an incredibly difficult game, even the pro's can't master it
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
Yes it's easy to ride a straight line or on a nice pavement or something. Riding offroad, on a track or in a bunch is a lot harder and more technical.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
It was on CH4 for years as well
But it's the track cycling that I believe has grabbed everyone's interest - and that is very visible all over telly ( BBC )
The SPOTY is another example - most of McIlroys exploits aren't seen by BBC viewers where as Hamiltons was
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