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why do they yell four in golf

by Earl Schneider PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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the yelling is an indication that a golfer has either hit their shot wrong or far offline that the ball is highly likely to fall close to or strike a golfer elsewhere on the course unintentionally. It’s also a strong warning to others that they should make sure they stay out of the way of the golf ball’s strike path.

Full Answer

Why do you shout "four" 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.

Why do they say four in golf?

Dec 08, 2021 · These days, golfers yell for after they’ve hit a golf ball towards another unsuspected golfer to warn them to watch out. Quite too often, the yelling is an indication that a golfer has either hit their shot wrong or far offline that the ball is highly likely to fall close to or strike a golfer elsewhere on the course unintentionally.

Why do people yell 4 in golf?

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 to give them a warning so they can make themselves safe. So Why Yell Fore Fore is the warning call that alerts golfers that they may be in the way of an errand shot.

Why do golfers Shout "fore" when teeing off?

Aug 16, 2021 · More about why golfers yell fore. In modern golf the call of fore is used to alert others that they might be struck by a golf ball heading their way. Most often it will be due a stray shot missing it's target but it could also be if someone has wandered onto the player's fairway and is not aware of their shot.

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What does it mean to yell fore in golf?

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.

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.

Where did the word "fore" come from?

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.

Answer

Golfers yell fore when it appears others are in danger of being hit by their golf ball.

More about why golfers yell fore

In modern golf the call of fore is used to alert others that they might be struck by a golf ball heading their way. Most often it will be due a stray shot missing it's target but it could also be if someone has wandered onto the player's fairway and is not aware of their shot.

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.

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.

What is the word fore in golf?

Another term you might hear on the course attached to the word fore is the word left or right after the golfer yells fore . If a parallel hole is next to the hole you are playing, it will often be headed in the opposite direction.

Is golf a gentleman sport?

Golf is known as a gentleman and gentle lady sport, people are expected to play the game with class, dignity and respect. Golf has been around for many years and when on the course safety is every golfer’s responsibility.

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.

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.

What does "deke" mean in hockey?

Hockey players commonly “deke” defenders, faking them out to get by. 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.

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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 ...
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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…
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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.
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