josephk2317:
the virtual equipment being manipulated through the user's interaction with an associated representation;
determining a change in a user's skill level for interaction with the virtual equipment in response to the received user input; and
adapting a virtual equipment model having one or more variables associated with the virtual equipment to reflect the determined change in user skill level, the virtual equipment model governing how the virtual equipment behaves in response to the user's interaction with the representation
So, it sounds like VEM is real...but we can change it. By changing it, for the better, the game does become more difficult and require more precise shots. The thing to take from this, I think, is that although VEM exists...we are responsible for it and can change it with practice and better play.
For me, it's not missing the putts inside of 5ft. I under countered a 3ft birdie putt on Merion this morning (wasn't paying attention and took it for granted that I was going to make it), next hole I had a 4ft birdie putt and over countered it...brain backlash from previous hole. The rest of the round was a disaster...shots off the mark, going long when hit light to stay below hole, and short when given extra power.
I think that you have two chances in a round to "mess up"...after that the VEM kicks in and you are destined to shoot, at best, the kind of round that you normally shoot on that course. If you don't "mess up" twice, then the round is yours to crush.
Long and short of it....It's all on us.