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why do you say four when playing golf

by Ronaldo Pouros Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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 you shout 4 in golf?

Fore as a word in itself means “situated in front” and it is argued that a cry of fore! was originally simply a way to warn those situated in front that a ball was coming their way.

How did four come about in golf?

The golfers would yell “fore” at the fore-caddies to let them know the ball was coming and to get ready to be on the look out. Another theory stems from military usage, when soldiers and those at a higher points would yell at those on the front line below “fore,” as a warning to duck from oncoming musket shots.Sep 15, 2014

Why do you yell fore when hitting a golf ball?

In summary, yelling out fore during a golf alerts everyone that a ball might be coming towards them. Proper golf etiquette requires that the golfer or another person yells that phrase out clearly to warn everyone that a ball might be traveling their way.Jan 11, 2022

Why are golf scores named after birds?

A Bogey means one over par. Birdie: In the 19th century, the term "bird" was the equivalent of "cool" or "excellent" - golf scholars believe this is where the term came from. An Atlantic City, New Jersey, course claims that the term originated there in 1903. The meaning being a score of one under par.Oct 28, 2014

Why do golfers shout fore?

This is a military term used by artillerymen to warn the infantrymen ahead of them on the frontline to watch out that missiles were about to be launched.

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!

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.

What does "double eagle" mean in golf?

Albatross (aka Double Eagle): This means a score of three strokes under Par, which as you can imagine is very rare. All square: Tied score in match play. Army Golf: Like a marching rhythm: Left-right-left, in the game of golf it means hitting the ball out of bounds to the left then to the right the next time.

What is a barkie in golf?

Barkies: Hitting the golf ball at trees and obtaining a good score despite it. Beach: Term used for a sand bunker. Birdie: A score of one less than par. 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.

Is golf a different sport?

Golf is no different. Someone new to the game might find many of them rather confusing at first. Given the age and popularity of the sport, golf probably has quite a few more than many other sports. Evened seasoned players often come across a term of reference that is new to them. In order to demystify the sport and give players a better ...

What is the back nine of a golf course?

Back Nine – This refers to the last 9 holes of a typical 18 hole course, also known as heading in. Backswing – As the term suggests, this is simply the action taking when swinging back before striking the golf ball. It is important for distance and accuracy.

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.

Why do golf balls have dimples?

Dimples – Golf balls have dimples to improve aerodynamics and regulate spin. The right number and design of dimples for your swing could improve performance. Divot – When striking the ball a chunk of turf from beneath the ball is often displaced. The remaining mark or hole is known as a divot.

What is a fat shot in golf?

The specifics and colors can vary from course to course. Fat – A fat shot is when the club strikes the ground before the ball.

What is a local rule in golf?

Local Rule – Specific rule or rules that are not mainstream and only for that particular golf course. Long – A term for a golfer who hits the ball far (Dustin Johnson). Long Game – Refers to hitting long irons, woods, hybrids, and driver. Lob Wedge – A type of wedge that is usually in the 60 to 64-degree range.

What is the stroke of a golf club?

Stroke – Any swing with a golf club from a golfer that is addressing and trying to hit the golf ball. Stroke Play – This format, sometimes called medal play, is based on the total number of strokes over a round or a fixed number of rounds.

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.".

What does it mean to yell "fore"?

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.

Who is William McCoy?

Writer Bio. Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.

What is golf slang?

Golf slang is a colorful part of the game, and golf slang terms can be universally used or be specific to a very small region. Small groups of golfers might even develop their own terms, unique to their rounds.

What is a barkie in golf?

Barkie: A bet won by a golf who makes par on a hole after his golf ball hit a tree. Also called a "woody" or "woodie" (and sometimes spelled "barky"). "We're playing barkies today, $1 for each barkie.". Beach: The sand; a sand bunker. "That shot went to the beach.".

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Golf slang is a colorful part of the game, and golf slang terms can be universally used or be specific to a very small region.

What is dawn patrol?

Dawn Patrol: Golfers or groups of golfers who prefer to play as early as possible in the morning - right at the crack of dawn if possible. Golfers who make up the dawn patrol are the first ones to get on the course. In that vein, dawn patrol is the same as "dew sweepers.".

What is a fried egg?

Fried Egg: A golf ball that has plugged, or buried, in a sand bunker, so that the top of the ball resembles the yolk in a fried egg. Frog Hair: The fringe around a putting green. Goat Track: Poorly maintained golf course with rough conditions.

What is an abominable snowman?

Abominable Snowman: A score of 9 (even worse than an 8, which is called a snowman) on a hole. Aircraft Carrier: A long, flat, rectangular teeing ground, one that is usually elevated a few feet above the level of the surrounding turf and that includes all the tees for that hole.

What is a Golf Handicap?

Ok, let’s get straight down to business. As an amateur player, a golf handicap allows you to play golf against any other player, any skill level, on any course, and have a reasonable chance of competing against each other.

Why Does the Handicap System Exist?

Ok, while a handicap is an indicator of how ‘good’ a golfer is, it wasn’t designed to be used purely as a tool to measure excellence.

How to Get a Golf Handicap

If you are brand new to the game, don’t worry about getting a golf handicap just yet. Just work on your technique and enjoy your game. There’s nothing that kills enthusiasm more than putting pressure on yourself.

How to Calculate Golf Handicap (as of 2020 onwards)

As of 2020, the rules and formula regarding how handicaps were calculated changed slightly along with the introduction of the World Handicap System (WHS). The good news is that this system has already been adopted by the USGA!

Golf Handicap FAQ

A ‘playing handicap’ is a variable total number of strokes you are allowed on a specific course on a specific day, say for a competition or in match play. The playing handicap is based on a percentage of your course handicap. It is devised by multiplying your course handicap by an ‘allowance’.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to golf handicaps, there is quite a lot to think about. The rules have changed recently to make them much more standard across the world.

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How Did 'Fore' Enter The Golf Lexicon?

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Why is the term "fore" used for this purpose and what is the origin of the term? 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.
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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, after all. Perhaps the most common usage of fore is wh…
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'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 th...
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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…
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