Touch...the first thing that should always be taught to beginners. Walking out to the range and swinging for max distance will cause exactly what you are expierencing, a difficult time adjusting power for control of distance.
Don't be discouraged however, because chipping/pitching is actually a lot more fun then you think.
Start with chipping. This is basically putting, but using a pw, or 7i. Putting is easy enough, no hands or arm swing...what moves the club through the impact zone is your shoulders rotating about your spine.
This same move is what you should use to chip the ball onto the green whenever possible. Add only 1 extra element to this setup, and that is playing the ball off the rear foot (maybe 1 ball width inside it).
You should see the ball roll low to the ground, but still be launched up. Then run to the flag.
Look here at my description of the lengths to measure for which club to use:
http://members.cox.net/gregjwillis/LESSON5.htm
After a bunch of practice sessions, come back here and we can see your next set of questions.