Hey Runonron
Better equipment and better balls would deffinitely improve your game, spend a few bucks and upgrade your equipment, it will make your playing time more enjoyable.
Play all the courses and not just the easy courses, playing Olympic and Oakmont will help you tremendously on the other courses, and help your overall game.....also play with better players and pick up as many pointers as you can......oh and did I say practice.
As far as earnings, you have to play in ready go's and play well enough to actually make money, and you can earn money or credits from the weekly tournaments but the payout there is not as good.
By the way did I mention Practice??? ;)
Good luck
Wes