DavStan: Just something I would like to point out, about new players whom seem to be able to play to good for the level they are: I played Arnold Palmers Links LS back in 99 through 2001 and I played it really well as far as skill. When I found this game a few months ago and started playing, everything came easy from T to green. The physics of this game is almost exactly like the Arnold Palmer Links LS, as far as adjusting yrdges and aiming with all kinds of winds, only thing different is the putting, that has been my nemisis, but I have been called a cheater a few times as I was moving up through tiers. I think anyone who has played online golf can pick up quickly on this game.
Agree with a fair bit of that, BUT:
Now I am even before you, lol, my previous computer golf was circa 1990 PGA and this game resembles that huge in essence, IMO, especially early on. When you analyse what people mean by being too good though it's hacks with 55% + 1 putt etc day 1, and then hitting Legend and continuing on their rampage without missing a beat type stuff
BTW (and sound like you would not) don't listen too much to people. If you are just playing and learning as you go there is nothing forcing some one to tier up faster than it organically happens for them. Enjoy the ride, and even look at a RG if your scores match up.
Hit Legend and that's where this new game really, without question IMO, separates out completely from it's roots, albeit in my limited experience of online golf. Whilst you were playing Arnold P in 1999 I was in deepest kids territory - 3 rugrats all under 5 cos the wife made me, and I will remain magnagamous in that :)