Golf-FAQ.com

why do we say four in golf

by Dr. Dominic Schuster DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

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!".

Why do golfers say 4?

The term is a short form of the word "before," which is a synonym to "ahead." Thus, fore literally means, "look out ahead." Golfers use this term immediately following an errant shot as a way to warn other golfers that a ball might be heading their way.

Why do golfers yell out 4?

On a golf course during a tournament, you will often hear something yell the golf term “fore” right after the shot. Yelling out fore helps alert players and spectators of an oncoming golf ball.Jan 11, 2022

Why do golfers yell mashed potatoes?

Mashed potato came from one golfer wanting his mum to spot him on TV. Andrew Widmar first shouted it at the 2011 Chevron World Challenge after Tiger hit a stinger.Sep 29, 2016

Is it four or fore in golf?

"Fore!", originally a Scots interjection, is used to warn anyone standing or moving in the flight of a golf ball. The etymology of the word in this usage is uncertain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the theory behind the term "fore"?

Theory 2: 'Fore!'. 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.

When was the golf glossary published?

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.

Why do people yell fore after hitting a golf ball?

In general people yell “fore” after hitting a golf ball when their ball is flying near another group of golfers. It’s a way to warn other people that they need to look out and avoid being hit. It’s like a long distance “heads up”.

What does closed face mean in golf?

Closed - The face might be closed relative to the swing path, that is pointing to the left of the path - which causes the ball to spin further to the left.

What is the green circle on a golf club?

In the shot above, the GREEN circle is the “sweet spot” of the club, the ideal place to hit the ball on every swing. A shank occurs when you strike the ball on the red circle, because the ball hits the hosel of the club first (which bulges forward of the face itself on an iron, at the point where the shaft is joined to the club face). If you hit an iron on the hosel, the usual ball flight will be drastically different from a normal shot, diving 45 degrees to the right of a normal shot. The YELLOW oval drawn on the club face is discussed below, as one likely explanation for golfers who too-frequently shank the ball.

What is shank in golf?

Let’s start with what a shank is, and specifically what causes it. It occurs when a ball strikes the club face at the location of the RED circle below.

What is the path of a swing relative to the intended target?

The path of the swing relative to the intended target: This can point right of the target, left of the target, or straight at the target.

How many lateral flights are there in golf?

There are two factors which when taken together determine the lateral flight of a golf ball. Each of these has three possible value, so there are six possible lateral flights.

What does "fore" mean in the dictionary?

The word is “fore.” It’s an abbreviation of “forecaddy.”

Why did players use forecaddies?

In those days – and we’re going back a few centuries here – players would employ forecaddies to spot where the ball went as the player could scarce afford to lose such an expensive object.

Why did floggings take place on deck?

Floggings took place on deck because down below the headroom was so low that there was no room to swing a cat o' nine tails.

Is "fore" a word?

The long answer is that most agree that fore is a foreshortening of another word or phrase. However the etymologists cannot agree which word or phrase. But even that general statement would be contested by some. Fore as a word in itself means “situated in front” and it is argued that a cry of fore!

Is "fore" a word or phrase?

The long answer is that most agree that fore is a foreshortening of another word or phrase. However the etymologists cannot agree which word or phrase.

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.

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 it mean when you shout for?

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 to give them a warning so they can make themselves safe.

Why do artillery men yell "fore"?

It could come from the military meaning where the Artillery men would yell ‘Fore’ to warn infantry in front to drop down and get cover and it could also come from the use of Fore Caddies in golf in the old days, no one is quite sure.

What to do if you can't see where your ball is going to land?

If you cant see the area where your ball is going to land and their could be golfers there, yell ‘FORE’ anyway, it is better to be safe than sorry.

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.

What happens if the ball hits you?

If the ball is going to hit you, it is going to come fast and you are unlikely to be able to track it , especially if it is a drive so you might end up like this guy. 😊

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 does "away" mean in golf?

Away – The player that is farthest away from the hole and is up to play.

What is the center of gravity in golf?

Center of Gravity – While this term can also be used to talk about a player it is generally related to the design and balancing of the golf club. To keep the concept simple, the farther back and lower the center of gravity (CG), the higher the trajectory will be according to the loft angle. This will give golfers an easier launch that generally has good backspin. Low handicap players do not need this advantage as much and tend to prefer a progressive CG with a higher CG on the longer irons.

What is a baseball grip?

Baseball Grip – A type of grip that resembles a baseball bat grip. Others might call it a 10-finger grip. Below the Hole – A term that refers to a putt where the hole is at a higher elevation than the ball. Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling.

Why is backspin important in golf?

It is important for distance and accuracy. Backspin – Spin is very important in most aspects golf and you will often come across the term when comparing clubs or in golfing instructions. Simply put, more backspin will give you a high ball with a fair amount of control.

What is an ace in golf?

Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers.

What is bump and run golf?

Bump and Run – A chip shot around the green involving a low lofted iron. This type of chip is great for a large part of the green to work with.

What is a big dog in golf?

Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling. Bladed Shot – A chip shot from just off the green purposely hit with the bottom of the club. Played often from when the ball rests against the collar of the green. Runs like a putt.

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.

How many strokes does it take to get a golf ball into the hole?

Only taking two strokes to get the golf ball into the hole when your ball is resting around the green.

Why is it called a bite in golf?

Bite: If a ball has lots of backspin it is said to “bite” because it stays close to where it landed or may spin back toward the player. If a ball appears to be going past the hole a player may shout “pray” or a more humorous way can be to shout, “grow teeth!”. Bogey: A score of one over par. Bracket:

What is the best game of golf?

A golfer’s best game which is executed on a regular basis. Hitting the ball into the hole in one swing of the club. When the putted ball refuses to fall into the hole. A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.

What is a lumberjack in golf?

Lumberjack: When a golfer hits a ball into a wooded area numerous times during a round and continues to hit the trees trying to get out of the woods. Lie: While in play the Lie is the position/location of the golf ball.

What is the right to tee off first?

The right to tee off first based on having the best score on the last hole or being furthest away from the hole.

What is a cabbage in golf?

Cabbage (aka Spinach): If you hit the ball into inescapable thick rough. Can: Refers to the “Cup” on the Green. Carpet: Term which refers to the “Green”. Casual water: A build-up of water on the golf course after heavy rain that is not part of a water hazard. The player can move the ball without penalty.

What does it mean when a golf ball is juicy?

Offers a nice clean hit. A juicy lie indicates the ball is sitting on top of grass as if it is mounted on a short Tee.

What does "fore" mean in golf?

The word 'fore' in golf is meant as a word or warning to those standing nearby or ahead of where a player is in intending to hit, so it's easy to command attention. Once the applause streams down the first fairway from the tee box, every patron should be aware players are about to hit. It's simple, and it works.

What does the voice say before a golfer starts a Masters round?

Before a player starts a Masters round at Augusta National Golf Club, patrons and fans watching from afar hear a voice say, "Fore please, [player name here] now driving."

Who said "first tee" at Masters?

So why does the Masters first-tee announcer, Toby Wilt, say that phrase? Like so many things at the Masters and Augusta National, it's an introduction driven by tradition.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9