Why Do Golfers Yell Fore?
- Meaning. Use of the term "fore" dates back to 1878, according to the Oxford Dictionary. ...
- Yelling. When you hit a shot off the tee, fairway or even from the rough and the ball flies toward an adjacent fairway, shout "fore" loudly and clearly.
- Reaction. During play, you might hear fore being yelled near you. ...
- Considerations. ...
What does yelling'fore'mean in golf?
Jan 29, 2018 · 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. Perhaps they originally yelled out "forecaddie," but, ultimately, the shortened version "fore" is what caught on.
What is the origin of the term “fore” in golf?
The etymology of the word in this usage is uncertain. Mention of the term in an 1881 British Golf Museum indicates that the term was in use at least as early as that period. 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 of the term "fore …
What does it mean to yell'Fore'when you hit a ball?
Jun 28, 2019 · Below we will talk about the meaning of the word “fore” and why golfers use it as well as how you should react when you hear someone yelling “fore” on the golf course. What Fore Means in Golf? Usage of the golf term “fore” can be traced back to 1878 and is short for the term “before”. The dictionary has “fore” as a synonym to the word Ahead, and can be understood to …
Why do golfers say “fore” when they hit a bad shot?
Apr 07, 2011 · was originally intended to be used before teeing off. The prefix "fore-" originated during the Middle Ages and, in general, indicates that …
Who came up with Fore in golf?
Some golf historians contend that the cry of fore dates back to the 16th century. As evidence, they point to the Scottish protestant reformer John Knox. In one of his writings, Knox relates a story about the tactics used to defend the city of Leith.Apr 17, 2020
Where did Fore originate in golf?
What is the origin of fore?
What does the root fore mean?
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.
What does it mean when a pro golfer yells "fore right" or "fore left
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.
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 ...
What does it mean when you yell "fore"?
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.
What does it mean when you hear a "fore" ring out?
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).
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.
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.
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.
When was the word "fore" used in golf?
Usage of the golf term “fore” can be traced back to 1878 and is short for the term “before”. The dictionary has “fore” as a synonym to the word Ahead, and can be understood to mean “look out ahead.”
What happens if you don't yell fore?
The worse outcome is not yelling “fore” and alerting people you hit at them. This is usually what can trigger a group of people to get upset with you when you get up the ball. Prevent it by clearly and loudly yelling “fore” and things should go smoothly!
What to do when you get up to a golf ball?
When you get up to your golf ball, try apologizing if you feel it can make the situation less awkward. The people who were up ahead that had the ball come flying at them may not be in great spirits and have some choice words to say to you.
When do golfers yell "fore"?
Nowadays, most golfers yell "fore" only after they've hit an errant shot toward an unsuspecting golfer, but the term which translates to "watch out!" or "heads up!" was originally intended to be used before teeing off.
Why do players yell out "forecaddie"?
Because the forecaddies often stood a considerable distance away from the rest of the group, the players would yell out "forecaddie!" to let them know that a ball was coming and that they should pay attention to where it falls.
What does "fore" mean in golf?
The prefix "fore-" originated during the Middle Ages and, in general, indicates that something is "ahead" or "in front of.". "Foremost," "foretold," "forerunner" and "foreman," for example, all mean something or someone that is initial or first. In the 1700s and 1800s, the golf term "forecaddie" described a person hired by golfers ...
What is a forecaddie in golf?
Although most golfers now only hire a caddie to carry their clubs, forecaddies are still used in professional golf tournaments, but they are more commonly referred to as spotters .
What is the best reaction to a yelled fore?
When you hear the word, your immediate reaction might be to look around for the incoming ball. The best reaction, however, is to duck and shield your face.
What does "fore" mean?
The term is a short form of the word "before," which is a synonym to "ahead.". Thus, fore literally means, "look out ahead.".
When to shout fore?
Shouting the word once usually suffices, although it's acceptable to shout it repeatedly if you see your shot sailing toward another group of golfers. If you lose sight of your shot but know it was errant, yelling the term is suitable.
Should you yell "fore"?
Considerations. Golf etiquette dictates that golfers should always yell "fore" upon hitting a shot that carries the risk of hitting another golfer. As long as you yelled "fore," you did all you could to warn the other golfers. Convey this message to them in as polite a manner as possible.
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'.
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, ...
What does "forecaddie" mean in golf?
It is probable that golfers shouted to their 'Forecaddie!', who would always be some distance ahead to draw attention to the fact the ball was coming and, in time, this was shortened to 'Fore! The almost contemporaneous appearance of the terms caddie, fore-caddie and Fore! supports this theory over the others.
What does "fore" mean in artillery?
So Fore!' could be derived from an artillery term warning gunners to stand clear. This last explanation means, firstly, that the term 'Ware Before!' ( Beware Before!) was foreshortened to Fore! (rather than Ware!) and, secondly, it must have been sufficiently well known to be used by golfers.
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.
How Did Fore Come into Golf?
Like anything in golf, where phrases come from is a bit of a mystery. The phrase fore, for example, is an old Scottish saying that meant lookout ahead. A forecaddie’s role in golf was to determine the ball’s placement during a match, and the golfer would yell that out to them to be on the lookout for where the ball was when they hit it.
Why is Fore Shouted in Golf?
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.
Who Shouts out Fore in Golf?
During PGA and LPGA Tours, the golfer, caddie, or other officials are the ones who might yell out fore. Usually, you will find spotters throughout the sides of the greenway watching the flight of a golf ball in golf tournaments.
What Should You Do if You Hear Fore in Golf?
If you are on the fairway and hear fore out in the distance, you might naturally look up to find the ball. However, the better option is to duck and cover your face just in case.
Why Do Golfers Yell Fore When They Hit a Shot?
Golfers yell out fore when they hit a bad shot to alert players and fans of an oncoming ball. Sometimes, the shot is excellent, and you hit it further than you thought. By warning the other players down the fairway that a ball is coming towards them, they will appreciate the heads up.
What if You Yell out Fore and Still Hit Someone?
During the Ryder Cup in 2018, Brooks Koepka hit a wayward shot into the crowd that left a spectator blind. Brooks did yell our fore numerous times, but the speed of the ball made it difficult for the spectator to move. While there is no official penalty for hitting a spectator, severe injuries can happen, so every person must pay attention.
Do You Need to Yell Fore on Every Shot?
You only need to yell our fore if there is a chance that the ball could strike another golfer or spectator. For example, you don’t need to yell out the word fore during a putt. Likewise, you don’t need to yell the phrase out if you hit a grounder or the ball travels only a short distance, and nobody will be around it.
How Did 'Fore' Enter The Golf Lexicon?
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, af...
'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…
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…