Other Theories On The Origin Of The Term
Not everyone agrees with this theory. Some claim that the term is derived from a military background. According to this theory, artillery forces had to fire over the heads of the infantry soldiers and would shout out “beware before” to warn them of the incoming artillery fire. This was in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Modern Use
While initially, the alert was only used for tee shots it is now used to warn anyone ahead that they are at risk of an errant ball. Despite being small and light, no one wants to be hit by a golf ball. Even a relatively soft shot can cause a lot of damage. It is dangerous to the person being stuck and also distressing to the player.
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 .
When did golfers yell fore?
The John Knox theory. Some golf historians contend that the cry of fore dates back to the 16th century.
Why do golfers use forecaddies?
To reduce the likelihood of a lost ball, golfers employed “forecaddies” to stand down-hole to see where the ball landed. Modern golf tournaments have spotters who fulfill a similar role. Historians assume golfers would call out to their forecaddies to warm them before hitting a ball.
What does the MLB call a hit ball?
The MLB has a whole idiom devoted just to describing hit balls, with terms like “ can of corn ” and “frozen rope.”. One of the most distinctive pieces of sports terminology comes from the world of golf. Players commonly yell the word “fore” before striking a ball.
Why do soldiers use the word "fore"?
After the front row of soldiers fired their weapons, the rows behind them would take turns firing. Historians speculate that soldiers used fore as a warning to those in the front to protect their heads while the back ranks fired.
What is the term for putting the ball through an opponent's legs?
The sports world is full of odd and unusual terminology. Putting the ball through an opponent’s legs is known as a “nutmeg” in both soccer and basketball. Hockey players commonly “deke” defenders, faking them out to get by.
Who was the cry of fore?
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. When an enemy approached, one of the defenders would cry out, “Ware Before!” This warned his fellows to lay down so the guns could fire over their head.
Did Rory McIlroy yell fore?
In 2018, golfer Rory McIlroy took massive amounts of flack for not yelling fore in the third round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. As a result of his oversight, McIlroy ultimately hit three innocent bystanders. At the other end of the spectrum are golfers who yell fore with a little too much enthusiasm.
What does it mean when you shout for golf?
The immediate reaction of most people when they hear a shout of for is to cover their heads from protection from a potentially incoming, usually stray, golf ball. Fore is the shout that is traditionally used in golf to warn other golfers on the course that you have mishit your shot and it could potentially be heading in their direction in order ...
How to shout fore on golf course?
Hen you hear it on the golf course, do not turn towards the shout but turn away and block the back of your head. Crouch down if you can and get behind a tree or a golf cart if possible. If you hit an errand shot, make sure to shout ‘Fore’ because golf balls can cause some serious damage even though they do compress on impact.
What does "fore" mean in golf?
Fore is the warning call that alerts golfers that they may be in the way of an errand shot. An example of yelling fore is when you tee up on the first tee with all the eager spectators watching on and you hit an almighty slice towards the third fairway, you need to yell ‘Fore’ to let anyone on the third fairway know that they might be in danger and to tried to cover themselves as best they can.
Why do they say "fore"?
The word fore may have it’s origins from the military when artillery men would yell ‘Warning Be ’Fore’ so any infantry could protect themselves and not be exposed to dangerous shell explosions. While a golf ball is not exactly a projectile of war, it can cause a lot of damage if it hits you on the face or the head.
Can a golf ball kill you?
While a golf ball is not exactly a projectile of war, it can cause a lot of damage if it hits you on the face or the head. Check out our article on whether a golf ball can kill you to find out more but just know that while most deaths on the course are caused by heart attacks and even some by golf carts, there is still a chance ...
Is golf a gentleman's game?
Golf Is A Gentleman’s Game. Golf is a game steeped in proud tradition and one of those traditions is to yell fore when you hit a bad shot towards anyone else on the course. It is good etiquette and you would expect another player on the course to do the same if they hit the ball towards you.
What Is The Origin of The Term “Fore”?
Other Theories on The Origin of The Term
- Not everyone agrees with this theory. Some claim that the term is derived from a military background. According to this theory, artillery forces had to fire over the heads of the infantry soldiers and would shout out “beware before” to warn them of the incoming artillery fire. This was in the 17th and 18th centuries. At this time, golf was rapidly growing in popularity in Britain and …
Modern Use
- While initially, the alert was only used for tee shots it is now used to warn anyone ahead that they are at risk of an errant ball. Despite being small and light, no one wants to be hit by a golf ball. Even a relatively soft shot can cause a lot of damage. It is dangerous to the person being stuck and also distressing to the player. Even pro golfers use the term considering the size of the galle…
What to Do If You Hear A Shout of “Fore!”?
- Well, this all depends on how aware you are of the situation and the environment. It is an important warning. The last thing you want to do is to look directly towards the call as this could result in an even worse hit. Duck, take cover and access the situation. Always try to be aware of the players behind you.