Please do experiment with all the shots mentioned. Then, go on to the shot that will get you close to the pin in almost from any situation. That is the full shot.
Now, arm yourself with a decent wedge such as the level 39 (rated 50 yards) or the 2 clevelands rated for 60 yards and you are off to a great start. Now, combine that with any top rated ball with at least 2 and 1/2 dots of spin, then your weapon of attack is complete.
Do a stroke play, practice round at St Andrews, tee off & get close to the green. From there start your experiment with the different distances your wedge will take you using 1/4, 1/2, 2/3 , 3/4 power and full backspin on each shot. Take mental notes of your results of each shot. And do this from the fairway, or 20/25, 20/30, 30/40, 40/50 lies. Continue the experiment on all 18 holes. Then take your results to our other stroke play courses, play 18 holes & continue the experiment (results from each course can vary a bit).
After a quality amount of time & practice using this criteria and playing & practicing on all our available stroke courses, and understanding the different reactions that each course presents, You will be ready for your short game skills to excel and get you that critical bird or par save.
A PS to the info above....putts on the green from say 25 to 75 feet can get you extremely close to the flag using your same wedge weapon ( again using a FULL shot with max backspin) instead of your putter, but there again.........practice, and more practice is the KEY word to everything. Put a hold on your ranked games until your short game techniques have been understood from your practice sessions..
Good luck...