Instruction

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50 Tips From The 50 Greatest Teachers

47. Tom Ness: 89 VOTES; Affiniti Golf Academy, Roswell, Ga. (770-596-2213)
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GROOVE YOUR DRIVER
Most players who drive the ball poorly have the left shoulder in front of the ball at impact. This can either happen from the start, because of a faulty address position, or the shoulder can shift there during the swing. Start with the easiest fix: When you set up to hit your driver, make sure the ball is positioned opposite the outside edge of your left shoulder. You will have an easier time keeping that shoulder in the right place relative to the ball during the swing.; MORE TIPS FROM TOM NESS

T-48. Eric Alpenfels: 88 VOTES; Pinehurst (N.C.) Golf Academy (910-295-6811)
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HOW TO RECOVER
Every player should know the components of a great recovery shot. But the most important component often is not the golfer's knowledge of how to hit the shot but his or her preparation. Take a situation where you hit an errant tee shot and need to play a low draw to get back to the fairway. You've heard the ball-flight factors before: Play the ball back in the stance for a low trajectory, and close the clubface slightly to produce a draw. But the key to success is to practice this shot so you can hit it when you need it.; MORE TIPS FROM ERIC ALPENFELS

T-48. Darrell Kestner: 88 VOTES; Deepdale G.C., Manhassett, N.Y. (516-627-7880)
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SWEEP YOUR WOODS
Full extension through the shot is the key to nailing your fairway woods and gaining an advantage on long courses. Focus on keeping the clubhead low to the ground after impact, extending your arms down the target line for as long as possible. This will help create the sweeping motion required for fairway woods, increasing your distance and minimizing the possibility of putting abnormal spin on the ball.; MORE TIPS FROM DARRELL KESTNER

T-48. Dean Reinmuth: 88 VOTES; Dean Reinmuth School of Golf, San Diego (deanofgolf.com, 858-756-2240)
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PLAY FOR THE SHIFT
On a pitch shot, the average golfer's tendency is to play the ball back in the stance, which is a mistake. On every shot, you move forward, toward the target, during the downswing. It's less on a pitch shot than on, say, a drive, but it still happens. When you move forward and the ball position is back, you have to chop down on top of the ball to hit it. That's not a good way to play a pitch shot. Move the ball up in your stance so you can shift into it for solid contact.; MORE TIPS FROM DEAN REINMUTH