Well. Couple weeks ago I was on the 17th at St Andrews. I typically try to take the bunker out of play here, and play a conservative 2nd shot to the green. I aim for the front right portion of the green at its widest point just above the large ridge. I played a 3 iron into a strong tail wind, but I needed more club. I wound up in the 'Valley of Hell,' as I like to call it.
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2044/mfry.jpg
I didn't think I would have a snowballs chance to 2 putt from there, so I thought I'd be creative and try to use a wedge to knock it up on the 2nd level of the green. I attempted a flop shot with around 95% power IIRC, but the ball basically moved an inch or two. It was essentially a one stroke penalty. So I then attempted a putt, but it couldn't even hold the green. I had to get up and down from the rough just to 'save' a double.
So I guess my question is, what is the proper technique for using a wedge on the greens? Clearly a flop shot did not work here, but will that always be the case??? Is the proper technique to blast it full power with a full swing, or would a punch shot work better? And would a lofted club such as an 8i or 9i work better, or do you have to play a wedge for the shot to work?