The origins of golfers’ favorite four-letter word are not entirely clear, but it certainly appeared first in the country where the game was created: Scotland Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain, with a border with England to the southeast, and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast, the Irish Sea to the south, and more th…Scotland
When did golfers first use the term'fore'?
The British Golf Museum cites an 1881 reference to "fore" in a golf book, establishing that the term was already in use at that early date. The Merriam-Webster dictionary pegs the beginning of the golf use of fore to 1878.
Why do people call the word four when referring to golf?
people call the word "four" just to warn other people that are golfing to get out of the way or they might get hit with the golf ball
What is the meaning of the golf term'Beware four'?
It's ''fore'' they're calling, not ''four.'' It's likely a shortened version of ''beware before,'' but no one knows the etymology for sure. Its purpose is to warn players ahead of you that a golf ball is headed their way.
When did golfers start using'fore'as a warning?
When Did Golfers Start Using 'Fore' As a Warning? "Fore" is in use by golfers around the world. One reason is that its use goes back a long time. The British Golf Museum cites an 1881 reference to "fore" in a golf book, establishing that the term was already in use at that early date.
When was the word "fore" used in golf?
One reason is that its use goes back a long time. The British Golf Museum cites an 1881 reference to "fore" in a golf book, establishing that the term was already in use at that early date. The Merriam-Webster dictionary pegs the beginning of the golf use of fore to 1878. But we know it goes back even farther.
What does "fore" mean in golf?
What can be said with certainty, however, is that the term does originate in the fact that "fore" means "ahead" or "before," and, used by a golfer, is a warning to those ahead that a golf ball is coming their way.
Why do golfers yell "fore"?
Golfers yell 'Fore!' to warn golfers or other people ahead to watch out for an errant golf ball. Fredrik Skold/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism.
What is a forecaddie in golf?
A forecaddie is a person who accompanies a grouping of golfers around the golf course, going forward on each hole to be in a position to pinpoint the locations of the group members' shots. If a member of the group hits an errant shot, the forecaddie tracks down the ball and lets the golfer know its location.
What is the evolution of the term "fore"?
The most plausible theory about the evolution of "fore" as a golf term is that it is a shortening of "forecaddie.". A golfer who hit an errant shot, the theory goes, yelled to the forecaddie to make sure they were watching and tracking.
Is golf a military term?
Has a Military Origin. Another popular theory, one cited by the USGA Museum, is that the term has a military origin. In warfare of the 17th and 18th century (a time period when golf was really taking hold in Britain), infantry advanced in formation while artillery batteries fired from behind, over the heads of the infantrymen.
Why did golfers use "forecaddies"?
From Forecaddie! to Fore! Because golf balls were expensive, golfers employed "Forecaddies" to stand where the ball might land and reduce the number of lost balls , as is done in tournaments today. In 1824 the Rules of the Thistle Golf Club recount a conversation which a youthful Mr Tytler of Woodhouselee, an 'Antiquary' in Edinburgh, ...
When was the word "fore" first used?
Fore! The etymology for the word "Fore!". is not absolutely certain. The Oxford English Dictionary records its first use in 1878 as a warning cry to people in front of a golf stroke and, like most people, believes it is an abbreviation of the word 'before'.
Who was the fore caddie?
Dickson was then performing the duty of what is now commonly called a fore-cady. Robert Clark repeated the story in his history in 1875 as 'what is now commonly called a fore-caddie'.
What Does Fore in Golf Mean?
Essentially, fore is a warning to everyone on the golf course that a ball has been hit and is coming their way instead of the intended area. Another way to define fore is by some synonyms such as “watch out” or “heads up”.
The History of Fore
1. It is believed that the term “forecaddie” is how the term “fore” came to be. In the 1700’s and 1800’s “forecaddie” was someone who was hired by golf courses or golfers to keep track of where balls landed. Nowadays this position is called a spotter.
What Should I Do If Someone Yells Fore?
When in the danger zone don’t turn towards the person yelling fore and look for the ball. If you do that, you may get hit in the face or other areas of your body. Instead you will want to “duck and cover” by getting behind a tree, golf cart, golf bag etc. You will then cover your head with your hands and arms.
Is golf a challenge in 2020?
Golf Terms 2020. Learning to play golf is one of the great challenges in all of sports. Learning the game’s golf terms and lingo may be just as difficult.
Is it hard to learn golf?
Learning to play golf is one of the great challenges in all of sports. Learning the game’s golf terms and lingo may be just as difficult.
What does "fore" mean in golf?
Perhaps the most common usage of fore is when golfers hit the ball farther than they expected, or when they play a stroke without realizing that there is a golfer up ahead who might be in danger.
Where did the word "fore" come from?
There are several different theories. Two of the most commonly cited are that "fore" evolved from another golf word, forecaddie; and that "fore" has its origins in military usage.
What is the fore in golf?
Fore (golf) The tough rubber core of a golf ball makes it a hazard to others following a wayward shot, despite its weight not exceeding 1.620 oz (45.93g). "Fore!", originally a Scots interjection, is used to warn anyone standing or moving in the flight of a golf ball.
Where did the term "fore caddie" come from?
A possible origin of the word is the term "fore-caddie", a caddie waiting down range from the golfer to find where the ball lands. These caddies were often warned about oncoming golf balls by a shout ...
What was the Colonel Bogey March based on?
The Colonel Bogey March is based on the descending minor third which the original Colonel Bogey whistled instead of yelling "fore" around 1914.
from Forecaddie! to Fore!
- Because golf balls were expensive, golfers employed "Forecaddies" to stand where the ball might land and reduce the number of lost balls, as is done in tournaments today. In 1824 the Rules of the Thistle Golf Club recount a conversation which a youthful Mr Tytler of Woodhouselee, an 'Antiquary' in Edinburgh, had with the aged Andrew Dickson when he...
Shoot Over Their Heads!
- A second explanation, still given by the USGA, derives from the military battle craft of musket days, when rank after rank would fire fusillades, some over the heads of those in front. It was speculated that the term Fore! might have been used to warn those in front to keep their heads down. Modern historians pour cold water on this theory, partly because it is difficult to relate it t…
Ware Before! - The John Knox Story
- There is a third explanation, which appears utterly implausible, but which is an outside possibility. It derives from a story told by John Knox (1505?-1572) the 'hell-fire' protestant reformer. He tells the tale, as only hell-fire preachers can, of someone arriving at the East Port (east gate) of Leith. This story was noticed by Dr Neilson and subsequently reported by Robert Browning in his book …