MickAnderson: I still have Windows XP so can't support IE9 yet, but was
thinking about using IE8.
Don't. You got the Chrome browser so I'm sure you're seeing the difference. IE is a prime target for the nefarious ones because it's so common.
One important thing you might want to do involves how you start the game. If you're on the main site and click Play Now the game opens in a separate window. The main window is still open in the background and if you play this will cause issues with your meter. Close it before you tee off.
Another idea is to get a browser like Comodo Dragon and only use it for the game. Use Chrome for everything you want but when it comes time to tee off, open CD and play from there. Closing all other windows always helps avoid a lot of issues.
@russell-From other Irish players I'm hearing that Ireland's ISPs are a little shaky. The different browsers and things like gamebooster aren't going to help that situation.