Sorry Assie, I was a more 'harsh' than I meant to be.
Just 4 points:
1. No one likes the "auto-reversion" to the starter ball when you lose one - but WGT's programming (obviously) lacks a provision to allow you to designate an "order of precedence" for replacing what got lost. Yes, it sucks. If there really are millions and millions of players here, can you imagine the problems that WGT would have to deal with if that feature existed? How many people would demand replacement balls because they made a mistake or selected the "wrong" ball or were forced to play with something other than their preferred ball?
2. You can avoid having a ball 'expire' in the middle of the round by paying attention to the little bar at the lower right hand side of the screen (below the ball). If, at the first tee of a new game, that bar is red and less than 1/16 inch long, it may not last for 9 holes, let alone 18. Recommend ending the game (before you hit anything) and select a different ball. Use the "short red bar" balls for practice rounds.
3. The use of "backspin" helps to stop the ball where it lands.
If you play Pinehurst (or any other course) often enough, you will learn where to put your ball to minimize the chance of having it roll to the fringe. On rare occasions (lol), I do have approach shots land within a yard of the pin but, usually, they do not roll back to the fringe. The only time that I see this problem is when hitting out of a bunker with a high bank (and) onto a sloped landing area. The combo of my Cleveland wedges and Cally 33 will not "stick" under those conditions.
4. WGT and its employees are the only ones making a living here. Do not take it so seriously that it raises your blood pressure! This game is supposed to be for "recreation".