Why do some Pros not shout FORE?

Post by Golf Journalist, Joshua Carr

One thing that bugs me a lot about the professional game is the fact that a large proportion of the professional’s we see on television very rarely shout fore when their ball is heading towards the spectators. There are a whole host of reasons why this is wrong and something needs to be done about it.

There are always debates on golf programmes and during the commentary of tournaments about things such as pros swearing, spitting and using long putters, yet very rarely does the debate about professionals not shouting fore come about. But why do we use the term “fore?” Well, fore is the short form of the word “before” which is a synonym to “ahead” therefore “fore” literally means “look out ahead.”

Golf etiquette dictates that golfers should always yell "fore" upon hitting a shot that carries the risk of hitting another golfer. As long as you yelled "fore," you did all you could to warn the other golfers. Convey this message to them in as polite a manner as possible.

Woods shouting FORE!

In my opinion, there is no excuse for not shouting fore. Golf balls can cause serious injury and it is in good moral that a pro should shout fore when his ball is heading towards the gallery. I understand the pros see the gallery as a backstop for any wayward shot but the health and safety of spectators should be regarded far more important that a better lie nearer to the hole.

Now I’m not saying you should go to a golf tournament and not expect the odd wayward shot that may head towards you but often, especially at big events, you can’t see the ball through the crowds of people so you don’t know where it is heading. The very least a pro could do would be to shout fore, giving the spectator chance to take cover.

It would appear the tours are too scared to punish their star players and this is not good enough. Spectators should be as safe as possible on the golf course. Yet still, in this day and age, it is seen as acceptable to just sign a glove and a ball when a spectator is struck and hope they accept and don’t complain. If fore was shouted then that is fair enough but if the player does not shout fore I feel a measly signature on a glove is not fair repayment. It could even be said that some professionals see it as a PR opportunity if they do hit a spectator. Of course accidents happen and golfers aren’t purposely aiming for the crowds but fore must be yelled to ensure the safety of spectators. Is it going to take a spectator to be seriously injured before the matter is considered worthwhile?

There has also been much debate as to whether tour players should be fined. I’m all for that idea but until it is passed by the R&A/USGA then there is no chance of that happening. If there were a rule brought into place then it more than certainly would force all players to shout fore, as it will always be in the back of their minds that there may be a hefty fine waiting if they don’t. All it would take would be others in the group to go and report the player to officials 

What do you think of the Pros not shouting FORE? We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to comment below: