London, Dec 23: Golfers are not legally obliged to shout `fore' to warn fellow players of wayward shots, according to a ruling in the U. S.

According to the Daily Mail, the case was brought by Dr Azad Anand, who was struck in the eye by a wayward shot during a 2002 Long Island golf game with his friend Dr Anoop Kapoor.

Anand claimed that his injury was caused by Kapoor because he failed to yell ''fore'' or a similar courtesy warning for an oncoming shot.

However, the New York State Court of Appeals, upholding lower court rulings, unanimously ruled that Kapoor was not at fault.

"A person who chooses to participate in a sport or recreational activity consents to certain risks that are inherent in and arise out of the nature of the sport generally and flow from such participation," the court wrote.

Anand was looking for his own ball on the golf course when Kapoor teed off without warning, struck him in the left eye and detached his retina, according to the suit.

Anand said he suffered a permanent loss of vision. (ANI)