First off i will say i joined this site after the changes that were made to the tier system. I was not forced into a tier my skill didn't qualify me for. I consider myself to be an average player. Unfortunately i am unable to play real life golf anymore so stumbling across this site was fortuitous. My desire when i joined was to break par. I acheived that goal then set another, to advance to Pro. Next goal was Master. It was only after purchasing better equipment that i was able to pair my skill with the appropriate clubs and balls. My scores improved the more i practiced (funny about that). I never thought i had the abilty to make Legend but i practiced alot and practiced some more.
136 days and 352 ranked rounds after i joined i made Legend. I was very proud of myself. I didn't let that pride turn to hubris though. The new tees and quicker greens soon brought me back to earth. I had to relearn putting and long iron shots into fast greens. The purchase of better clubs and balls allowed me to be a better player. My sole desire is to play as well as i can given my skills. Sometimes this means i shoot low sometimes high. I take note of where i went wrong and try to prevent the same mistake(not always successfully).
I will not deny that losing stings, but this only makes me want to improve my own game not handicap others to bring them down to my level. I have had the pleasure of playing with some very good players and it was a delight to watch the way played. It was not until i turned Legend that i posted my best scores.
I understand in the grander scheme of things i am just a newbie here. I try to help others to improve their game and if asked am happy to impart what limited experience i have to others. What works for me may not work for others so any advice given is either ignored or accepted based on what works for THEM. I am extremely grateful to those that have posted tips in the forums and given their advice to improve my game. I hope one day to be considered a good player. My aim and the aim of everyone should be to be the best you can be given the abilties you have. I do not denigrate anyone because they may not play as well as me nor do i complain when someone is better than me.
This game caters to all tastes. If you want to be the best and you have the abilty you can. If you want to just play for fun with mates you can. I am somewhere in between. I am not competitive by nature so i play tournaments very rarely. I am not interested in leading any money list or making a profit. Even when i play others i play against the course not the player. If i think i shot a good score it does not matter to me if i win or lose.
Decide what you want from this game and do what is necessary to achieve that without compromising any principles you may have. Practice and better equipment WILL make a difference to your game.
Thank you WGT for providing this game for our enjoyment.