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where did the term fore in golf come from

by Leta Bins MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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-caddie" which was eventually shortened to just "fore!".

When did golfers first use the term'fore'?

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 fore fore mean in golf?

FORE - The word 'fore' in golf is Scottish in origin, and is a shortened version of the word 'before' or 'afore.' The old Scottish warning, essentially meaning 'look out ahead,' likely originated in military circles, where it was used by artillery men as a warning to troops in foreword positions. More › 492 People Used More Offers Of Store ››

Why is it called a forehand in golf?

Aug 03, 2021 · Scots interjection, tags, the theory is that fore is just shortened from Forecaddie. Mary Alvord, forbid all persons playing Golf in the Streets, and more. The golf players at Leith Links were influential people in political and golfing terms. Golfiana Caledonia LLP Registered in …

What does it mean to yell'Fore'in golf?

Sep 21, 2003 · The Merriam-Webster dictionary pegs the beginning of the golf use of fore to 1878. But we know it goes back even farther. The website ScottishGolfHistory.org cites a golf glossary published in 1857 that included fore. It's reasonable to assume that its use predates that 1857 mention by a couple decades, maybe more.

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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.

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. our editorial process. Brent Kelley. Updated January 29, 2018. "Fore" is another word for "ahead" or "forward" (think of a ship's fore and aft).

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 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 ...

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. our editorial process. Brent Kelley. Updated April 01, 2019. "Fore"—actually, fore! —is a word of warning yelled out by a golfer who hits an errant shot.

Where did the word "golf" come from?

It is now generally accepted that the 'golf' is derived from an old word meaning 'club', though this in turn may have older cognate roots dating back to ancient times. The first documented mention of the word 'golf' is in Edinburgh on 6th March 1457, when King James II banned 'ye golf', in an attempt to encourage archery practice, ...

When was golf invented?

On balance, however, it more likely that the 'golf' examples date to 1460 and the full details are discussed here.

What is the most common word for golf?

The first documented reference is spelt 'golf', but most people believe the old word 'gowfe' was the most common term, pronounced 'gouf'. Certainly, the word 'gouf' is found extensively in written texts, long after 'golf' was the acknowledged game.

What is the meaning of golf?

Many historians use the word golf to describe games played on the continent, when they are clearly a different game or when we do not know what game was being played . Only Scotland had the right combination of club, ball and links to create golf. In 1636, David Wedderburn, a Latin master in Aberdeen, used the word 'Baculus', ...

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