There is some debate about where yelling “fore” for errant shot came from. The most popular theory has a military origin that dates back to 17th century. During those times the infantry advanced as the front lines in straight-line formations, while the artilleryman were in the second line. When the artilleryman where ready to fire they would yell “beware before” to signal the infantry to drop down to the ground to keep from getting hit by the artillery. Overtime, due to the noise on the battle field the warning was shortened to “fore”.

Some speculate that the term carried over to golf by some military person who was a duffer who yelled “for” before his errant ball hit someone.

Who knows, all I do know is to duck and cover my head when someone yells fore.

That reminds me, I almost got hit be a golf ball while playing in a local fundraising tournament for our county police department. The errant golf ball hit the wheel of the golf cart and knocked the wheel cover off. I was standing only a few feet away. I was angry at first but when the person came looking for their ball I politely educated them on the need to yell fore on an errant shot whether they see someone or not.

Share your experiences with either getting hit, almost getting hit or even if you have been the hitter.

Now Get Out and Play!

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