Jan. 26, 2009 -- I have always been a fan of the Bob Hope Classic. This year, with its return to PGA West, it's celebration of its 50th anniversary and having Arnold Palmer's presence, I knew it would have a special significance. And it certainly did.

This is such a unique event. When you mix ninety holes of championship golf, spread over four pristinely manicured courses, add in top PGA TOUR players plus amateurs and celebrities -- you can certainly expect some exciting entertainment. I've attended the event several times in the past and always enjoyed the energy and synergy that radiates from the tournament. Add to that the ever-present desert beauty...and let's not forget all the birdies one witnesses at The Hope! This year, there was no shortage of birdies, they seemed everywhere -- at least until the final round.

Ben Crane demonstrates his pre-shot routine during the Bob Hope Classic hosted by Arnold Palmer. (Photo: Getty Images)

The thing that struck me watching this year's event on TV (which the commentators also noted on more than a couple of occasions) was the lack of a pre-shot routine demonstrated by the amateurs and celebrities. While many of them are fine golfers in their own right, they still seem to lack the ever-present discipline that the professionals exhibit when it comes to alignment and set-up. That's probably why the professionals are actually "making a living" doing-what-they-do-best, playing golf with consistent ball striking, accuracy, and of course, making most putts instead of making movies.

I have the good fortune of working frequently with junior golfers hoping to advance into more competitive golf. However, what always continues to surprise me is the often-absent use of their pre-shot routine. In order to be an accurate ball striker you need to have a consistent routine that you develop, and implement on every shot. No matter how simple that may sound; it is the foundation of great golf. I am a firm believer of aiming and setting the clubface first, then taking your stance, and finally grabbing that last look at the target before pulling the trigger.

At the tournament (and on more than one occasion) celebrity player Josh Kelley was singled out for not doing the abovementioned steps prior to hitting his shot from the tee box. (Sorry Josh, about the critique but on a lighter note, I do approve of your wife's character acting on Grey's Anatomy and in 27 Dresses).

There are many variations and opinions on the proper sequence to set-up for a golf shot. My advice (especially to amateur players) is to create a process that is constant....used every time, and for every shot. In doing so, I guarantee that you will have greater accuracy and will experience more positive results.

Final Tip: See your local PGA Professional for assistance on developing a pre-shot routine that is uniquely yours!

Denise Mazzaferri is a second-generation PGA Golf Professional with more than 25 years of teaching experience. In 2006 she was recognized as the Northern California PGA Section Junior Golf Leader Award, an honor she shares with her husband and co-recipient Mike, who is also a PGA Golf Professional. Denise is the owner and operator of Performance Golf, an indoor learning center located in Reno, Nevada.