DoctorLarry:
2. You can get very good balls for less than 750. Try the Cally L33s or L35s, if you have not yet.
If the Callies at 250cr/sleeve still seem too much, I recommend the wgt GI3-S balls. Slows the meter and gives some spin ability, but only 99cr per sleeve (33 cents per ball). And if you want a longer drive to work from, invest a modest 250 cr to get this one after you play enough rounds to get to Pro level --- which doesn't take much really to do. For a one-time cost of 250cr, that driver will get you increased distance forever, without investing 250 cr every time you need to buy a new sleeve of Callies.
WGT Pro 9.5° Driver (Pro+) 250 Credits