Andrewswelsh: is this just a money grab in terms of credits...
I do agree, and it is o.k.
Internet is not for free, so is this game.
WGT is a business with a good product - pretty cool, I agree. They are on the market to make money (surprise!), and it's not too expensive if you do it right. One thing you need for this is patience, advance slowly and choose your buys well.
Andrewswelsh: I mean, how are you supposed to get decent equipment?
Do some investments for your recreation. Either invest time (plenty of it) for the "free" offers, or spend some 70 - 100 $ for clubs (in portions) and 10/20/30... $ per month for balls. A day out on Old Course is more expensive (237 $ green fee), and other vices are costly, too.