Shadow, you should play with the starter clubs as long as you can without upgrading. There's no sense in repetitiously buying clubs that only become obsolete as you tier-up. The starter clubs will take you through the pro tour tier. Your using the best ball already too.
Continue playing while completing surveys and save your credits for when you're unable to score well with your starter clubs, which is right around the Master tier. This way you won't be using a whole lot of your own money when it comes time to upgrade your equipment.
Keep practicing with your starter clubs and you'll score well enough to advance tiers.