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 they yell Fore when you play golf?
- Don’t look up! The last thing you want is a golf ball to the face so save the trip to the emergency room and keep your eyes down.
- Duck and cover. Duck your head down and use your hands and arms to cover and protect your face, head and neck.
- Seek shelter. ...
- Keep your cool. ...
Why do golfers yell 'Fore' when teeing off?
Why Do Golfers Yell Fore?
- Meaning. Use of the term "fore" dates back to 1878, according to the Oxford Dictionary. ...
- Yelling. When you hit a shot off the tee, fairway or even from the rough and the ball flies toward an adjacent fairway, shout "fore" loudly and clearly.
- Reaction. During play, you might hear fore being yelled near you. ...
- Considerations. ...
Why do golfers yell Fore as a warning?
So, why do golfers yell ‘fore’? Golfers yell fore as a verbal warning to nearby golfers that an errant shot has been hit in their direction. While not mandatory, it falls within the principles of proper golf etiquette to warn other golfers that a ball is heading their way.
What does the term fore mean in golf?
“Fore” is what golfers yell when their golf ball is flying dangerously close to another player. Basic golf etiquette demands that you wait until the golfers in front of you are completely out of the way before hitting your shot so you don’t hit them with your golf ball.
Why is it called fore?
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 use the word fore?
Over time, the term shortened "fore" and is currently used to warn others that they'd better make sure they're not in the struck ball's path .
Why do we shout fore in golf?
The reason golfers shout fore is pretty simple. It's used to alert - or forewarn - anyone standing or moving into the flight of a golf ball. By dictionary definition, 'fore' means: the front part of something, especially a ship (noun) or situated or placed in front (adjective).
Who came up with fore in golf?
The John Knox theory 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.
Why do golfers yell mashed potatoes?
It's a good one to yell, because it's nice and quick and it means absolutely nothing. '
What does fore mean in Scottish?
The word 'fore' is Scottish in origin, and is a shortened version of the word 'before' or 'afore. ' The old Scottish warning, essentially meaning "look out ahead," most probably originated in military circles, where it was used by artillery men as a warning to troops in forward positions.
Why do golfers wear a glove on one hand?
The main reason golfers wear a glove is because of the added grip. If you're a right-handed golfer you'll wear a glove on your left hand. The reason golfers only wear one glove is that you won't get any added benefit from wearing two.
What does eagle mean in golf?
2-under parAn eagle in golf is a score that is achieved when you are 2-under par. For example, you need to do it in one stroke to score an “eagle” on a par-3 hole and two strokes on a par-4 hole. An eagle is a good indicator of advanced gameplay and is typically not achieved until the professional level.
How do you pronounce fore in golf?
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What is the meaning of fore 4?
The most common member of this trio is the preposition “for,” which is not a problem for most people. “Fore” always has to do with the front of something (it's what you shout to warn someone when you've sent a golf ball their way). “Four” is just the number “4.”
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.
Is golf a military term?
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
What Does Fore in Golf Mean?
Essentially, fore is a warning to everyone on the golf course that a ball has been hit and is coming their way instead of the intended area. Another way to define fore is by some synonyms such as “watch out” or “heads up”.
The History of Fore
1. It is believed that the term “forecaddie” is how the term “fore” came to be. In the 1700’s and 1800’s “forecaddie” was someone who was hired by golf courses or golfers to keep track of where balls landed. Nowadays this position is called a spotter.
What Should I Do If Someone Yells Fore?
When in the danger zone don’t turn towards the person yelling fore and look for the ball. If you do that, you may get hit in the face or other areas of your body. Instead you will want to “duck and cover” by getting behind a tree, golf cart, golf bag etc. You will then cover your head with your hands and arms.
When was the word "fore" first used?
Fore! The etymology for the word "Fore!". is not absolutely certain. The Oxford English Dictionary records its first use in 1878 as a warning cry to people in front of a golf stroke and, like most people, believes it is an abbreviation of the word 'before'.
Why did golfers use "forecaddies"?
From Forecaddie! to Fore! Because golf balls were expensive, golfers employed "Forecaddies" to stand where the ball might land and reduce the number of lost balls , as is done in tournaments today. In 1824 the Rules of the Thistle Golf Club recount a conversation which a youthful Mr Tytler of Woodhouselee, an 'Antiquary' in Edinburgh, ...
Who was the fore caddie?
Dickson was then performing the duty of what is now commonly called a fore-cady. Robert Clark repeated the story in his history in 1875 as 'what is now commonly called a fore-caddie'.
What was the East Gate of Ramsay's Fort?
In researching the history and layout of Ramsay's Fort, it became clear that the East Gate directly overlooked the Links where golfers were playing, as best they could , among all the military preparations and sieges that went on in the middle of the 16th Century.
From Forecaddie! to Fore!
Because golf balls were expensive, golfers employed "Forecaddies" to stand where the ball might land and reduce the number of lost balls, as is done in tournaments today.
Shoot over their heads!
A second explanation, still given by the USGA, derives from the military battle craft of musket days, when rank after rank would fire fusillades, some over the heads of those in front. It was speculated that the term Fore! might have been used to warn those in front to keep their heads down.
Ware Before! - the John Knox story
There is a third explanation, which appears utterly implausible, but which is an outside possibility. It derives from a story told by John Knox (1505?-1572) the 'hell-fire' protestant reformer. He tells the tale, as only hell-fire preachers can, of someone arriving at the East Port (east gate) of Leith.
What is a bogey in golf?
A bogey is when someone knocks the ball in one stroke over par. Two strokes is a double bogey, while three strokes over is a triple bogey.
What does "ace in the hole" mean?
When it comes to golf, an ace (or ace in the hole) comes from the word’s slang meaning of "skilled.". It’s seen in other sports as well in relation to a difficult move.
What is the meaning of "I'm the Bogey Man"?
Here Comes the Bogey Man," which had the lyric "I'm the Bogey Man, catch me if you can. ". Bogey is a variant of bogy or bogle, which has been a term used for a “goblin” or “devil” since at least the 1600s. It was a short-lived standard.
What was the original term for par?
The scoring wasn’t always done this way. In England, the original term for par was ground score. A Scottish golfer in the late 1800s, so the legend goes, said that another golfer who was hitting the ground score was a real bogey man, perhaps because of the popular song at the time "Hush! Hush! Hush!
What is a handicap in golf?
A handicap in golf, and other sports, is when a player has disadvantages or advantages added to level the playing field. A handicapped player might have a handicap of 10, for example, which would mean that they typically shoot 10 strokes over par. Someone who shoots at par is called a scratch golfer, while someone who has a handicap of 18 is called a bogey golfer because they consistently finish a hole one stroke over par. The golf handicap is used by multiplying your handicap by the course rating, dividing it by 113, and then subtracting that number from your final score.
What does "mulligan" mean in golf?
Essentially, it’s a do-over after a bad first shot. It was first recorded in 1900–05 as a proper name. Some stories posit that the term comes from a golfer named David Mulligan, who either teed up another ball by reflex after a bad first swing or did so on purpose after walking up to the ball with a few extra nerves.
How many birds are there in golf?
Whereas some golf terms rely on fanciful and fun-to-say words, others rely on the creatures that fly above us. When it comes to scoring, there are three “birds” to know in golf: birdie, eagle, and albatross. A birdie is one stroke under par, an eagle is two strokes under, and an albatross is three strokes under.
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…