Cycling is the new golf..

[Knersboy]

Didn't scuba diving become the new golf in the 90s? I remember doing vac work on the mines at that time and all the grootkoppe were diving, so all the newly appointed graduates we blowing their meager salaries on scuba.

[Sitting@89]

Is it easier to become a pro golfer or a pro cyclist?

Show me a overweight (think John Daly like)pro cyclist and I will answer the question.

[Halfdoesyn]

Show me a overweight (think John Daly like)pro cyclist and I will answer the question.

 

Yeah, I think a lot more of them are overweight. JD is a good example. But different requirements for different sports.

 

You could also argue that the career of a pro golfer is typically longer than a pro cyclist, simply because of the immense difference in physical demand. Also less prone to injury and accidents.

[Escapee..]

Show me a overweight (think John Daly like)pro cyclist and I will answer the question.

 

Yes there is a difference in fitness but I dont think there is a big difference in hours practicing/training.

[Skubarra]

Getting a bit pedantic but I'm not sure the phrase really refers to prize money and the number/condition of pros, but more on  what "sporting activity" corporates , CEO's, middle-aged amateurs etc blow their budgets on and where it is fashionable to be seen and network.

[lechatnoir]

Played golf many years ago. Truth is, I was a better golfist than I am a cyclist... Played of a 7. But the handful of great shots in a round don't nearly give me the enjoyment that cycling does. 

 

Also, with a few rondelas on lights, I can ride anytime of the day (or night). Can also do it indoors. And golf forums have more knobs

[zeepee]

You can probably give valid arguments for either sport being harder. But I think there's a reason golfers get paid as much as they do. 

[Mntboy]

I would possible say yes but don't know the number of top golfers in the world - there only about 30 (maybe 50) top cyclist in the world who earn "decent" money. Most TDF rider are not paid that well and the prize money at the TDf for 21 days of work is quite low compared to golf.

 

I am sure however its way harder to get an F1 contract compared to cycling. But running and cycling are comparable (maybe RSA as they both club sports) thus I do believe my post above has merit!

I reckon those top 30 to 50 racers probably earn more from their sponsorships than their actual salary from the team. Only real benefit to being a pro cyclist is getting the best gear at better rate than everyone else. Fairly sure not all pro cyclists are getting their gear free.

 

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[Chingy182]

I think Golf is a more watched sport on TV than cycling, there are fun video games too.

There's lots of money in that to help compensate the pro's

 

I never thought watching cycling made for good viewing until I started cycling myself and could appreciate the skill and or strength/endurance.

 

I have traded in my golf clubs for a bike, due the false thought that cycling was a once-off investment. Buy bike, ride bike and done. Until services and parts and tyres kicked in.

But now I enjoy the flexibility that cycling gives me, whereas in golf I'm pushed into a time slot I don't always want or like. 

[gtr1]

Its is the new golf................just as expensive or more !!!!

[Stevief]

You can probably give valid arguments for either sport being harder. But I think there's a reason golfers get paid as much as they do. 

Anyone can ride a bicycle not everyone has the ability and co ordination to hit a golf   ball in a controlled manner consistently.

[Jewbacca]

I love how these conversations always turn to 'the pro's' when the whole topic is based around the very middle/lower rung amateur and what they spend their time and money on.

 

Golf has a bit of a drinking culture with guys playing golf for 4 and a half hours and spending hours at the 19th. With the modern trend towards health and the benefits and rewards for exercise, most of these affluent ex golfers have started making lifestyle changes.

 

Gins are now coffee's, half round pie and chips are now croissants and gluten free sandwiches.

 

The cycling world has definitely had an influx of affluent middle aged men who 1st buy the best race bike, all the kit and THEN go cycling. This was always the golf mentality... guys playing off an 18 using top of the range blades or semi weighted clubs as opposed to big easy chunky ball goes straight anyway beginner clubs.

 

So although the comparison may not be factual, both sports have followed and continue to follow similar equipment and personal trends.

 

Cycling is the new golf. It doesn't mean that all golfers became cyclists. It just means that the parallels in the sports and their developments are uncanny.....

[Groadie]

https://www.smoothknobblies.com/2015/04/yes-you-should-quit-golf-and-take-up-cycling/

[Skubarra]

The cycling world has definitely had an influx of affluent middle aged men who 1st buy the best race bike, all the kit and THEN go cycling. This was always the golf mentality... guys playing off an 18 using top of the range blades or semi weighted clubs as opposed to big easy chunky ball goes straight anyway beginner clubs.

 

I actually met a guy recently who entered the 2018 Epic, bought himself a high-end Spez and then started cycling... (And then he realised he had other commitments that clashed with the Epic so now he is only riding half the Epic)

 

To be fair he actually turns out to be a fairly capable cyclist despite only cycling for a few months.

[Icycling]

I love how these conversations always turn to 'the pro's' when the whole topic is based around the very middle/lower rung amateur and what they spend their time and money on.

How ever controversial this may sound and I suppose it is one of many opinion - "The Pro" make any sport. They get the majority of TV coverage - that's great marketing for any sport. This then get middle / lower rung amateur gin and beer drinkers into the sport. Mass participation sporting event naturally help - but again if "The Pro" don't participate in these event - they tend not to survive the test of time.

[EmptyB]

Curling is the new golf....