Fore is Scottish 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 foreword positions. Golfers adopted this military warning cry for use on the golf course. When a ball is going towards someone or a group of people then you yell “Fore” to warn them that the ball is incoming.

For more information check out the USGA’s Web site.

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