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what does yelling fore mean in golf

by Ms. Nona Gibson Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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And in golf, yelling "fore" is simply a shorter way to yell "watch out ahead" (or "watch out before"). It allows golfers to be fore warned, in other words. Screaming "fore!"

watch out!

Full Answer

Why does in golf do people yell Fore?

Jan 11, 2022 · Yelling out the phrase “fore” after a golf shot loudly alerts fans and players to be on the lookout for a traveling golf ball. For example, an errant shot that won’t land on the fairway must warn everyone that an incoming ball might be coming towards them. Even if the ball will land on the fairway, it is proper to alert all golfers, especially if you hit it further than you expected.

Why do you yell Fore on a golf course?

Mar 31, 2022 · What do golfers yell fore? Fore is a warning that someone in the group is about to hit a ball, and it’s meant to alert other players of the danger. It’s important to use fore when you’re playing golf, because otherwise, you could end up getting hit by a ball. Why do golfers yell fore?

Why do golfers yell Fore as a warning?

Feb 02, 2022 · Why do you yell fore on a golf course? “Fore!”, originally a Scots interjection, is used to warn anyone standing or moving in the flight of a golf ball. These caddies were often warned about oncoming golf balls by a shout of the term “fore-caddie” which was eventually shortened to just “fore!”.

What does the word fore in golf mean?

"Fore" is another word for "ahead" or "forward" (think of a ship's fore and aft). And in golf, yelling "fore" is simply a shorter way to yell "watch out ahead" (or "watch out before"). It allows golfers to be fore warned, in other words. Screaming "fore!"

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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 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.

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.

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.

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 do you yell "fore"?

If your shot is in danger of hitting or landing very close to another golfer or group of players on the golf course, you should yell "fore!". to warn players to watch out. Yelling "fore!". is considered good golf etiquette, but it's not just a courtesy to other golfers, it can serve to prevent injury. After all, a golf ball striking ...

How to hear a yell of fore?

When you hear a yell of fore, duck and cover. If you can dart behind a tree, crouch behind a golf cart or golf bag, do so. Put your hands and arms over your head and turn away from the direction of the yell.

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.

Why do golfers yell "fore"?

For professional golfers, they also yell "Fore!". to indicate if they've hit a ball that's going to potentially hit someone in the gallery watching them play.

What does "caddie" mean in golf?

The term caddie is a shortening of the term forecaddie, which meant the person that went ahead of the golfer to hunt for their ball once struck. Another theory contends yelling "Fore!". was designed to warn the forecaddie that the ball was going in a particularly bad direction.

Do pro golfers point in the direction of their ball?

Many times, pro golfers will also point in the direction in which their ball is heading so those who may not hear them shout from hundreds of yards away could at least see them pantomime and know that they should be on the lookout for an incoming ball.

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.

Where Does The Word Fore Come From

The word “fore” is believed to come from the word “fore caddie”. Fore caddies were employees of the golf courses. They would travel in front of the golfers throughout their round in order to watch where the ball would land.

When to yell Fore On The Golf Course

It is important to remember that you should yell “fore” whenever you believe your ball even has a slight chance of landing near another group of golfers.

What Does Fore Left And Fore Right Mean?

Fore left and Fore right are terms that are typically used when their is a gallery watching. These terms simply identify which direction the ball is going.

Conclusion What Does Fore Mean In Golf

We hope you enjoyed our guide to understanding the term “fore” in golf. If you have any more questions about this term or golf in general please be sure to reach out in the comments below.

Fore in Golf: Definition and Uses of the Warning Call

ring out across the golf course, is to turn in the direction of the yell and look for any golf ball that might be heading our way. Bad idea. You don't want to get hit in the face (or any other sensitive areas). When you hear a yell of fore, duck and cover. If you can dart behind a tree, crouch behind a golf cart or golf … More ›

Why do they yell fore when you play golf? - Answers

heads up Yelling fore in a game of golf is like saying heads up. "Fore" is another word for "ahead" as in a ship's fore and aft. The British Golf Museum also surmises that the term evolved from ... More ›

Why yelling fore in golf is more than a simple matter of ..

The Court stated that a golfer does not have an advanced duty to yell “fore” if a golfer is outside a “zone or ambit of danger.” In other words, a golfer has no duty to yell “fore” or provide a similar warning before hitting a golf shot where no person is directly in the line of play. More ›

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.

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How Did 'Fore' Enter The Golf Lexicon?

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Why is the term "fore" used for this purpose and what is the origin of the term? 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.
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When You Should Yell Fore on The Golf Course

  • It's pretty simple: If you hit a shot and see that your golf ball is heading in the direction of other golfers—and there's a chance, even just a slim one, that your ball will land among or close to those golfers—yell out "fore!" Yell it loud and yell it proud. Yelling it doesn't do anybody any good if you don't scream it loud enough to be heard, after all. Perhaps the most common usage of fore is wh…
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'Fore Right' and 'Fore Left'

  • Should you add anything to "fore" to provide more information to the golfers who might be in danger? At professional tournaments, where holes are tightly lined by fans, it's common to hear tour pros yell "fore right" or "fore left," letting the fans known which direction the ball is traveling. That way, the fans on the left side or right side of the hole know to take cover. Adding "right" or "l…
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What to Do When You Hear 'Fore!'

  • The instinct for many golfers, when we hear a "fore!" ring out across the golf course, is to turn in the direction of the yell and look for any golf ball that might be heading our way. Bad idea. You don't want to get hit in the face (or any other sensitive areas). When you hear a yell of fore, duck and cover. If you can dart behind a tree, crouch behind a golf cart or golf bag, do so. Put your ha…
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