It is likely that as the first group of shepherds amused themselves hitting rocks with sticks over the Scottish dunes, at least one of them suggested to the others how they could hit their shots farther and straighter. Little did he know what he had started.

Five hundred years later, thousands of golf instructors have come and gone and tens of thousands are now teaching. Yet, there never has been a place of honor for the most gifted among golf's educators; a monument to those who not only enlightened their own students, but also helped entire generations of golfers with insights into how the game should be played.

To ensure that the theories of the game's greatest instructors are never forgotten, GOLF MAGAZINE is pleased to announce the founding of the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, in cooperation with the new World Golf Village set to open later this year near Jacksonville, Florida.

For the inaugural class of inductees, only teachers no longer living were on the ballot. Nearly 40 nominees were selected by a panel of golf historians and journalists. The voters were current members of GOLF MAGAZINE 's 100 Top Teachers and our instruction editors.

When the votes were counted for this inaugural class, a fab four of instructors had been tapped: Tommy Armour of Edinburgh, Scotland; Percy Boomer of Grouville, England; Ernest Jones of Manchester, England; and Harvey Penick of Austin, Texas.

Each had a passion for both golf and teaching. Each possessed pinpoint diagnostic skills and the rare ability to communicate with precision the proper corrective action. Each unselfishly shared knowledge with other instructors. And, most importantly, each produced insights that have stood the test of time.

Here are some of the timeless tips from these teaching legends.