It's an amazing statistic but simply improving one's short game can shave plenty off their overall score. How many times have you driven perfectly and are faced with a short shot onto the green only to completely mess it up by slicing, hooking or grassing the shot?

The short range shot is one which can present a false sense of security most non professionals. Thinking it's just a matter of making contact with the ball and landing it on the smooth surface often has golfers relaxing their technique and what occurs is they often flay the ball everywhere but their intended target.

The Chip Shot

This golf swing lesson is all about getting the right timing in your bunker shot. You don't even need to be on a golf course to practice this.

1. Find an object such as a chair or seat that's at least 3 feet in length and at least two feet high.

2. Your object is to hit the ball underneath the bench from about 2 yards away.

3. Hold the club at an angle which will have the shaft leaning in a forward motion. Practice this a few times before hitting the ball.

4. Your aim is to hit the ball under the seat without topping the seat or spraying left and right.

Controlling Your Chip

The idea of this golf swing lesson is to firstly get you controlling your shot and secondly, to get it to a stage where even if you relax, your golfing memory will be at such a stage that you can play the shot with your eyes closed.

Another problem with chipping close to the green is hitting the ground ahead of the ball. The result of this is topping the ball when the club is back on it's upward motion and seeing it trickle just a few meters.

The intended reaction is to throw a tantrum because of the lost opportunity to press home your advantage but remember, golf is a game of etiquette and you'll quickly be asked to exit the course if you're spotted.

Practicing this routine is a great way to avoid mashing a complete hash of your shot. It's a golf swing lesson which has cured many a short game and is very effective. Talk to an instructor about using this method if you're not too sure however, the fact it can be practiced in your own backyard makes it an appealing golf exercise.