navigater:
how about a mandatory 20 or so ranked games a month.after all ,money is involved in this game one way or another
I think the above about money being involved is the relevant point. I'd presume a lot of players got here and play like me - no idea baout "tiers" etc, just out to have some fun and try to play better. But within days - not knowing about "tiers" and being "ranked" rather than picking "practice" I was suddenly a "Pro" and couldn't get close to many of the Par 4's anymore in reg. Answer? Money. Need clubs, balls, drivers etc etc.
The system, if it is known, encourages sandbaggers just like pairs and group comps do in RL. And for some players, it may be their only realistic way to build a character if they can't afford to pay real money like I had to - within a week.
I can only imagine how I'd be going at a lower tier with the gear I've now got. The mind boggles with some of the high end gear...