Ever wonder why some golfers use FORE to warn their opponents? It’s exactly what I did. Let’s start with caddies. According to legend, this name was created from an earlier British custom in which Royal Cadets were required to carry the clubs of royalty. This is what led to the name Caddie.
The military used the Fore term to inform friendly troops about your plans to shoot a bunch of guns over their heads. This was an order to keep your head down.
Fore-Caddie is my favorite explanation. It makes the most sense. The early days of golf saw these caddies waiting downrange for their assigned golfer. The Fore-Caddie would then be notified by shouting about the coming golf ball. “Fore”. Remember that not everyone could afford to golf when they first started. They are expensive now, but you can still afford to buy them for $50.00 and $75.00 each. Yikes!
This is the main reason I believe the caddie was hired. The caddies served two purposes: they were both a club coach and a ballfinder. It is less common to accept the military Fore warning for friendly troops. Keep your scores low and honest, and have a fun golf game.