Golfers yell "fore" to warn people that a ball is heading their way. If you hit a shot that might come near anyone, shout it loudly and right away. If you hear it, don't look up to find the ball. Cover your head, turn away and crouch.
When to yell fore
- Any time your ball is heading toward another group, a cart path, a house or a road
- When you can't see where your ball is landing and people could be there
- Point in the direction the ball is going so people know which way to turn
Yelling fore late is better than not yelling it at all. It's basic golf etiquette and a real safety issue.
Where the word fore comes from
Fore is Scottish and dates back to at least the 1700s. It's a shortened form of "before" or "afore," meaning ahead. There are two main theories, and both may be true:
- Forecaddies: early golfers used a forecaddie, a caddie sent ahead to watch where balls landed, since golf balls were expensive and easy to lose. Golfers would shout "forecaddie" to warn them a ball was coming, shortened over time to "fore."
- Military: the USGA notes the term may come from artillery, where "beware before" warned soldiers in forward positions that shots were about to be fired over their heads.
Common questions
Is it rude not to yell fore?
Yes. It's one of the few etiquette rules every golfer is expected to follow, and not yelling can get someone hurt.
What should I do if I hear fore?
Protect your head with your arms, turn away from the direction of the shout and get low. Don't try to spot the ball.
Fewer foul balls start with clubs that fit. Read what shaft flex do I need, and see more terms in our golf terms glossary.
