When I see guys with 60, 59, 58, 56 ... and even 52 handicap, all I can think of is : "I want to be that good !" ... So, every time I start a ranked stroke game with the expectations of lowering my humble 63+, I simply know that I have to be even better than how I am currently. In any 9 hole stroke one has to make at least 6 birdies and 3 pars to move a little down. I think I just reached that point that makes the difference between good players and the gifted ones. Like in every sport, art, science and human activity, this game requires knowledge, practice, gear and talent. Since I have played with really talented players I can tell that I might not be one of them; but it's ok (tears - ha ha) ... I think that most of us should be more than happy with a 62 - 68 handicap, which is unreachable for most in real life golfing, and if suddenly your game improves from there, it might be due to two things : 1. Your one, two, or three years of constant practice finally brings results or 2. You are simply gifted.
Bottom line (for fun) I won't feel like a donkey ever again when I have a bad day on the field !
Cheers ! AJ - Quijotazo