I know exactly where your coming from Graham m8, and guess what ? it gets slower as you get closer....
Seriously, now is the best time to learn the courses and maybe teeing off with your 3 iron to get used to your landing areas you'll be hitting from the tips, forget the average thing and just let that happen ;-)
If you are serious about getting the ATV wedges, I would suggest getting the 100 yd one now, and learn that as you go, or the similar Cleveland one.
Good luck bud, you'll soon get there :-)