What is the etymology of the word fore in golf?
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’. There is an earlier reference in 1857 in a glossary of golfing terms.
What does yelling’fore’mean in golf?
"Fore" is another word for "ahead" or "forward" (think of a ship’s fore and aft). And in golf, yelling "fore" is simply a shorter way to yell "watch out ahead" (or "watch out before"). It allows golfers to be fore warned, in other words.
Why is it called a forehand in golf?
Those are the two theories most commonly cited, but, as noted, nobody knows with certainty how fore became a golf term. 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.
Why do golfers say “fore” when they hit the ball?
It is good etiquette and you would expect another player on the course to do the same if they hit the ball towards you. 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.