Andy Devaney
When it comes to the most dangerous sports in the UK, most of us would assume rugby or boxing lead the injury charts. The new nationwide survey by GolfSupport has turned that assumption on its head — revealing that even the “gentleman’s game” of golf might be riskier than you’d think.
After analysing official National Health Statistics and polling 5,732 British sports lovers, GolfSupport set out to uncover which sports are most susceptible to injury.
The results? Let’s just say Sunday league heroes and weekend warriors alike might want to warm up properly.
Football Tops the Injury Charts
According to the data, football remains the most dangerous sport in Britain, with a staggering 71% of players admitting they’ve been injured while playing. No surprise really — with millions of people kicking, sliding, and occasionally flying into each other every week, the nation’s favourite pastime also ranks as its most bruising.
Basketball and Hockey Close Behind
In second place, basketball claimed 69% of injuries, its fast-paced and physical nature leaving little room for error. Third and fourth on the list were hockey (68%) and, shockingly, golf (66%) — meaning a quiet afternoon on the fairways might be more perilous than a day in the scrum.
That’s right. Golf — the sport many turn to for relaxation — ranked higher than rugby, which landed in sixth place. Somewhere, an A&E nurse is shaking their head.
Rounding out the top ten most dangerous sports were:
Darts Crowned the Safest Sport
If you’d rather keep your body intact, you might be better off with a pint and a set of darts. Only 18% of those surveyed said they’d ever been injured while playing, making it officially the safest sport in the UK.
Also on the safe side were snooker/pool (36%), swimming (35%), cricket (33%), and rowing (26%) — proof that not every sport has to end with a trip to A&E.
The Real Causes Behind the Injuries
| Rank | Sport | % Injured | Visual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Football | 71% | |
| 2 | Basketball | 69% | |
| 3 | Hockey | 68% | |
| 4 | Golf | 66% | |
| 5 | American Football | 63% | |
| 6 | Rugby | 60% | |
| 7 | Tennis | 57% | |
| 8 | Badminton / Squash | 57% | |
| 9 | Cycling | 55% | |
| 10 | Athletics | 50% |
When it comes to how Brits are getting hurt, most point the finger at others — 63% said their injuries were caused by someone else’s carelessness. Meanwhile, 47% admitted to self-inflicted pain (we’ve all been there), and 35% blamed faulty or misplaced equipment.
Other top causes included:
- The nature of contact sports (19%)
- Lack of safety rules or enforcement (14%)
And for those who did get hurt, three in five (62%) required medical treatment — proving just how serious these so-called “minor knocks” can be.
Brits Don’t Learn Their Lesson
Even after an injury, most people don’t change their habits. When asked if they’d take more care next time, 61% said no. Only 39% planned to be more cautious, suggesting that optimism (or stubbornness) remains the British athlete’s defining trait.
Who’s Responsible for Keeping Us Safe?
When it comes to accountability, opinions were split: 51% believe individuals are responsible for their own safety, 40% say the burden lies with the venues and sports facilities, and 9% believe it’s up to the Government to step in.
So, whether you’re lacing up for five-a-side or teeing off on a Sunday morning, remember — the most dangerous sports aren’t always the ones you’d expect.
