It looks like a putter but has the loft of a 7-iron. The idea is to use your regular putting stroke with this club. The ball will 'skip' over the fringe and roll like a putt when it reaches the green. This is a much easier shot than trying to 'wedge' under the ball with a lofted club. Finally, I think you should play the course from the tee markers that give you the most enjoyment.
Many courses have as many as five sets of tees.
The game will be more fun if you swallow your pride and move to the markers that give you a more realistic chance to reach the greens in regulation.