Dear Golf Nut, what is the most common mistake in a golf swing that you have observed? And, more important, what is the golf tip that will solve that problem?

Well, I don’t know that I can say what is the “one” most common mistake in a golf swing. And I’m just an amateur golf nut. But I can tell you what I have seen out there on the golf course.

One of the common mistakes that I see is on short chip shots around the green, especially from a hill or uneven lie. Many of these golf shots end up way short due to what is commonly referred to as a “chili dip” shot.

The most common cause that I have seen of this golf swing problem is decelerating on the downswing. Most of us are afraid of over hitting the golf ball and knocking it clear across the green and off the other side. So we take the golf club back and then as we start towards the golf ball we slow down (decelaration) and end up mis-hitting it way too short.

Here is how I have had success in eliminating this mistake from my golf bag. It is very simple, but effective. I shorten the back swing and then accelerate through the golf ball on the down swing. I use the length of the follow through to control distance. That is the full extent of this golf tip. But it works.

I recommend that you practice this several times before using it. But if you find yourself having trouble around the greens you may want to try this.