First off, there's no trading here by customers. All business is with the company.
Second, shot length and other virtues come with custom equipment to buy for credits in the Pro Shop - apart from skills in using the means of the game client (choose a shot, hit the ding..)
The game is free if you stick with the low-profile Starter equipment, but the real fun of shooting the lights out comes with fancy clubs and balls. Most of the tournaments have free admission and low prizes. Expect a battle with all means when big credits are at stake.
You can buy credits for money, get them as rewards for marketing tasks ("get free credits" in the tab at the top) and win credits in tourneys and matches. IMHO, the former is straight and honest while the two latter options come with too many situations of disappointment and cheating.
Drop options:
The game follows the Rules of Golf to a high percentage. That said, there are a few deviations, including "unplayable ball" and dropping.
Rule 28 - unplayable ball - is inexistant here, and yes, there are no drop options. If necessary in water hazards or abnormal ground conditions, the game will select a spot to continue. This is o.k. most of the time but also includes second best choices. "Drops" may end in unfavourable places like rough or sand or an unexpected repeat shot. A few spots seem outright wrong (CCC#11, STA#17) but at least all players are treated equal.
Have fun!