bfghd: There isn't just Callaway and Nike balls, the Srixon and Tour S-Tour SD balls are fine if you can handle the meter.
Right.
There is no reason for others to attack the OP for taking a critical view of the business model. Yes, you can always say No, but clearly there is a connection between low scores and paying for expensive equipment and balls. At some point it becomes cynical.
You would probably find that the top players play with expensive equipment and balls, and spending money (real or virtual) on that stuff is necessary to compete at that level.
You might also find that middling players (such as myself) can't buy our way into the winner's circle. We can play close to our ability with balls from about a dollar per sleeve and up.
Some good virtual clubs are still essential. (Suffice it to say that the first Virtual US Open was won with a final round 66. Good luck with that now.) But clubs are a one-time cost - or more accurately now a two-time cost - and you can play indefinitely.