[rich_allen]

Ideally, you want fast but soft greens.

You must hit down on the ball. Don't accelerate through the ball...maybe even try to do the opposite. This might reduce spin, but it also takes a lot of momentum out of the ball, with the net effect being that the ball checks sooner. You must hit the ball first, then take a divot. Use Angled Hinging (no roll feel of the clubface). Don't try to steepen or shallow out your plane angle. Instead, use the plane angle that fits the lie angle of your wedge. This will give you the cleanest contact.

Use a 56 deg wedge with nice rough grooves. Use Pro V1s.

Great post Tong.
I don't know about the type of ball, but you are absolutely correct about hitting down on the ball and taking a divot after contact. Not only do most people take their divot before the ball (75% at my local club) but some actually think you hit the ball on the up swing.
You can learn a lot from a divot.