By Adam Rohrbough
FOOOORRRREE!
If you’ve ever heard this word screamed while on a golf course, you know it can be a little unsettling. If you haven’t, then play a round with me! Typically, the immediate response is to duck, cover, run, throw your arms above your head, or some combination of those things. Because after all, the idea of a golf ball hurtling towards you is scary.
While hearing “FORE!” can rattle the nerves, it’s far better to hear it and allow fellow golfers the opportunity to protect themselves. The alternative is hearing nothing and being struck or nearly hit. It’s extremely dangerous to be hit by a golf ball traveling at high speeds, especially in the head or neck area.
Too often people are prideful and won’t yell “FORE!” because they are embarrassed by their bad shot or by what the people they almost hit will think. I promise you their response will be far better if you yell than stay silent. I’ve seen the responses of people that have been hit or almost hit without any warning and that conversation can get heated quick.
A general rule of thumb should be to always err on the side of caution. If you are even the slightest bit worried that your ball, or that of one of your partner’s, is headed towards someone, then yell.
Yelling “FORE!” isn’t merely a recommendation. It’s a requirement. If you believe you’re too good to give a loud, verbal caution at your local municipal course on a Saturday afternoon, think again. Every week on TV we see PGA Tour pros hit wayward shots, and nearly all of them yell “FORE!” as a warning to the galleries lining the fairways and greens.
If they can do it, so can you!
Golf is a game of tradition and honor, and good etiquette is a big part of that. When it comes to yelling “FORE!” be sure to follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
