Give me a break "Doublemouchaman"!!! I didn't just make that up....that "Legend" specifically said DOLLARS (not credits). One member below just stated he spent $120.00 last month (that's probably conservative for many)....do the math...that would be over $4,000.00 (in 3 yrs.). Many "Legends" have been on here for 3 or 4 yrs...played over 3,000 ranked rounds of golf. If there are some "Legends" out there with input on this issue.....I'd be very interested to hear what they have to say.....on average, how much $$$ have they invested over time???
And, of course, this site is a "business"....they HAVE to earn a profit. But, do you have ANY IDEA how many companies "advertise" on this site??? On every page, while we're playing....all of the "sponsored" golf equipment, the surveys & TV ads for "credits", the TONS of "offers"...which, by the way is really just another way to get us to spend "real $$$" to get credits to buy upgraded equpment. Just my opinion...but, this site could EASILY be run.......100% on ADs....where members wouldn't have to pay a dime....to enter tournaments or use the equipment they like. Like I said, look at all of the BRAND NAMES on all of that equipment.....Nike, Callaway, Ping...you don't think those companies are PAYING to have their equpment on here?
And I'm curious.....I would love to know. HOW did you achieve "Master"...having played ONLY 160 ranked rounds....and have a 66.3 average. You only played an equivelant of (22 ranked rounds in the entire year of 2011).....I have played over 200 ranked rounds in the past 2-1/2 mos...starting around a 95.0 & now struggling @ 75.2 average. HOW did you do it??? I seriously wish to know, because it doesn't seem "possible". Though, I noticed you have your golf bag LOADED for bear.....did you use earned credits or did you buy credits?
And I believe there are more like 5 million WGT members, not 3 million.....though, if someone has better information....I'd be interested. That's 5 million sets of eyeballs looking at all of those ADs. If you knew anything about website revenue, you'd understand the magnitude of just how much revenue all those ADs really generate.
You state "WGT designed the game so you can play absolutely free and still derive pleasure".....while this is TRUE.....IF you expect to play really good golf...to ever get into the lower tiers...you don't have ANY choice, but to spend $$$......it's by "design". Haven't you ever heard the old saying......."nothing is really free".
Well, you do sort of have to keep a sense of humor about all of this. Hey, I'm thinking of starting a website that sells a new SOFT DRINK....but, inside the cans will ONLY be..........."AIR"...yeah, just "AIR". But, each can you drink will give you added strength and better health.....this product will be "addictive" for sure. I just hope my supply doesn't run out. Each can will cost you .50 cents. I will accept all credit cards too...so, when you finish a six pack of my new canned "AIR"....you can get on-line and buy some more........lol.