Ad 1 + 3: Your Starter clubs are weak, in particular the wedges. A few items keep the approaches and saves far from the pins:
Limited performance, allowing nothing less than 70% of power (too non-linear),
low trajectory, making shot length dependant on up or down terrain and resulting in long roll,
low spin = no way to stop them rolling.
Add the wrong advice of chips+ pitches by the caddie, devastating the short game.
Some Pfennig coins of mine:
- use only full + punch shots unless the ball will land on the green.
- lay up if necessary due to bunkers etc,
- allow for a lot more club in uphill situations.
- pre-shot routine: Always check club settings incl. putter scales.
You might want to buy a short wedge of 50 or 60 yds for some serious improvement and tier promotion.