Fore

Released in 1972 by D. Gottlieb & Co., 'Fore' was a golf-themed electro-mechanical pinball machine that capitalized on the growing popularity of golf among middle-class Americans during the early 1970s. The machine's design cleverly incorporated golf imagery and scoring concepts into traditional pinball gameplay mechanics.

The playfield featured golf-related artwork and targets representing different holes and hazards found on a golf course. Players would aim for specific shots to 'play through' various holes, with scoring designed to mirror golf's lower-is-better scoring system. The machine included standard pinball elements like bumpers and drop targets, but themed them around golf balls, clubs, and course obstacles.

As one of several sports-themed machines produced during this era, 'Fore' represented the pinball industry's efforts to appeal to a broader audience by connecting with popular recreational activities. The game helped establish a template for future sports-themed pinball machines, demonstrating how real-world activities could be effectively translated into pinball gameplay mechanics.