Read the FAQ's, there is a lot of valuable tips in there, its not just there so members dont have to answer the same questions over and over, there is really good stuff in there, i.e. putting tips, chip/pitch tips, how to create match play games, etc.
As you will come to see from playing this game, trying to advance tiers before you are ready will only discourage the player. There are some ridiculously good players here, and to try to advance to master tier too fast will put you directly up against them in tournaments.
Practice (literally Practice, not ranked, practice rounds), post all your scores and you will move up at the pace you are intended to.
You can win free credits in the weekly tournaments, they payouts are not nearly as large as the paying tournaments though. You can also deposit money $1=100 credits to buy better equipment which can make the game more enjoyable for some. If you dont want to spend $, you can always play for free with starter clubs. Enjoy