This game is not for everyone.Some people like it, some people don't.I was introduced to this game by someone who stopped playing a long time ago....I stayed.
I got a coworker to become a member;she plays once a week and you can tell,she doesn't want to put the effort and the money(credits),she just wants to chat for a while.
I play sometimes with players who are level 80 and are still playing with starter clubs and balls.They enjoy the game that way and that's ok.
It's like if your doing a hard crossword puzzle,most people do half and throw it away,others will keep it for a week until they've solved it.
Persistence;wanting to be better ,competing with others and more important with yourself.
Yes it's maddening to loose a brand new nike ball in the water,but hitting it just over the water to get to the green in two on a par five is priceless.
I love this game and I can tell after reading Rock...'s first posts,he won't last;and that's too bad,but that's everyone's choice.Persist or quit.