
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.
Why do golfers Shout "fore" when teeing off?
· 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. 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. In ...
Why do golfers yell Fore as a warning?
Some professional golfers also yell “fore” when they’ve hit a ball that could potentially hit someone watching in the gallery. They will oftentimes yell the phrase and the direction in which the ball is headed so as to make it clear in which direction the shot is going and to let the people who need to pay the most attention know.
Why do people yell "four" in golf?
Why do you shout "four" in golf?

When do golfers yell "fore"?
Nowadays, most golfers yell "fore" only after they've hit an errant shot toward an unsuspecting golfer, but the term which translates to "watch out!" or "heads up!" was originally intended to be used before teeing off.
Why do players yell out "forecaddie"?
Because the forecaddies often stood a considerable distance away from the rest of the group, the players would yell out "forecaddie!" to let them know that a ball was coming and that they should pay attention to where it falls.
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 .
How Do You Yell Fore In Golf?
You should yell fore loudly and clearly when you hit your shot fairway, off the tee, or from the rough. Shouting at the top of your voice once should be enough.
Do All Golfer Yell Fore?
Yelling fore isn’t some type of golf rule set in stone, which is why not all golfers shout at the top of their voices. However, you do at least have to give some kind of signal to others that a golf ball is coming in their direction.
What to Expect After Yelling Fore
Yelling fore during play is a good way to get people to stay alert. It creates an immediate awareness that they should look for an incoming ball and shield themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why does the sailor shout "mashed potatoes"?
One of the fans wanted his mother to be able to spot him on the TV so he said he would shout ‘Mashed Potatoes’ when the cameras were around and it went down a treat with fans in attendance and also went viral online causing many more renditions at future tournaments.
What does it mean when a pro golfer yells "fore right" or "fore left
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 the hole know to take cover.
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 ...
What does it mean when you yell "fore"?
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.
What does it mean when you hear a "fore" ring out?
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).
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.
How to hear a yell of fore?
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 hands and arms over your head and turn away from the direction of the yell.
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 in golf?
If you are a beginner golfer, then you know that sometimes your shots don’t come off exactly as you planned, so ensuring that you yell “fore” and indicate which way the ball is headed is very important so that others don’t get hurt.
Why do golfers yell "fore"?
Some professional golfers also yell “fore” when they’ve hit a ball that could potentially hit someone watching in the gallery. They will oftentimes yell the phrase and the direction in which the ball is headed so as to make it clear in which direction the shot is going and to let the people who need to pay the most attention know.
Where did the term "fore" come from?
There is another popular theory that states that the term “fore” comes from a military origin . In the 17th and 18th centuries golf was very popular in Britain and there was, of course, warfare going on as well. During this warfare, infantry formations advanced while artillery batteries fired guns from behind them over their heads. The artillery men are said to have yelled “beware before” to alert the infantrymen to drop down so that they did not accidentally get shot.
Do you yell fore or fore in golf?
Golfers will sometimes will also point in the direction that the ball is going so that people who may be too far away to hear them yell can at least see them pointing and know to look out for an incoming ball. However, some golfers will only point and will not yell, which is in poor etiquette. Even if people are far away, you should always yell “fore”, even if you aren’t sure they can hear you. This way, perhaps someone closer can hear you and help to spread the message that the others need to be careful.
Why do golfers shout fore?
Golfers often shout fore to warn players or others ahead of them when they hit a wayward shot. It is a warning for them to look out and not be struck by a golf ball. It is a common golfing term but many people are not aware of the origins and might well wonder, why do golfers yell “fore!”
Why do players shout out "forecaddies"?
If the player was concerned that the ball might strike one of the forecaddies, he would shout out “fore” as a warning. This would, hopefully, give them time to avoid being hit by a fast-moving ball. Initially, so we are told, the players would shout “forecaddie” as a warning. This was later shortened to fore.
Why do golfers use alerts?
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.
How to avoid a bad hit in soccer?
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.
Do you have to shout fore in golf?
As a player, hopefully, you do not have to shout it too often but if you do hit a shot that could potentially hit or even land near someone, it is the right thing to do. Don’t hesitate and loudly shout “Fore!” to warn the person or people. Either that or, keep it safely in the middle of the fairway or better still, on the green.
Where did the word "fore" come from?
The origin, like the sport itself, is Scottish. The term “fore” is a prefix that has been used since the Middle Ages and is used to indicate something that is ahead.
Is it good to warn golfers?
Sadly, some golfers fail to use this warning and that is not good sportsmanship. Apart from the injury or even just the fright that the “fore” person might experience, it is bound to put you off your game a bit. Good etiquette is part of the game.
How Did Fore Come into Golf?
Like anything in golf, where phrases come from is a bit of a mystery. The phrase fore, for example, is an old Scottish saying that meant lookout ahead. A forecaddie’s role in golf was to determine the ball’s placement during a match, and the golfer would yell that out to them to be on the lookout for where the ball was when they hit it.
Why is Fore Shouted in Golf?
Yelling out the phrase “fore” after a golf shot loudly alerts fans and players to be on the lookout for a traveling golf ball. For example, an errant shot that won’t land on the fairway must warn everyone that an incoming ball might be coming towards them.
Who Shouts out Fore in Golf?
During PGA and LPGA Tours, the golfer, caddie, or other officials are the ones who might yell out fore. Usually, you will find spotters throughout the sides of the greenway watching the flight of a golf ball in golf tournaments.
What Should You Do if You Hear Fore in Golf?
If you are on the fairway and hear fore out in the distance, you might naturally look up to find the ball. However, the better option is to duck and cover your face just in case.
Why Do Golfers Yell Fore When They Hit a Shot?
Golfers yell out fore when they hit a bad shot to alert players and fans of an oncoming ball. Sometimes, the shot is excellent, and you hit it further than you thought. By warning the other players down the fairway that a ball is coming towards them, they will appreciate the heads up.
What if You Yell out Fore and Still Hit Someone?
During the Ryder Cup in 2018, Brooks Koepka hit a wayward shot into the crowd that left a spectator blind. Brooks did yell our fore numerous times, but the speed of the ball made it difficult for the spectator to move. While there is no official penalty for hitting a spectator, severe injuries can happen, so every person must pay attention.
Do You Need to Yell Fore on Every Shot?
You only need to yell our fore if there is a chance that the ball could strike another golfer or spectator. For example, you don’t need to yell out the word fore during a putt. Likewise, you don’t need to yell the phrase out if you hit a grounder or the ball travels only a short distance, and nobody will be around it.

How Did 'Fore' Enter The Golf Lexicon?
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, af...
'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 the hole know to take cover. Adding "right" or "l…
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…