Reefbeach: I know how you advance through the tiers to reach master or legend! Play well and spend a lot of money! But I’ve just played a master with starter clubs and balls with an average of 92!
His best 18 hole round was 90! He was level 85! I’ve played heaps of masters at levels over a 100 with averages in the 60’s with really top gear that you can only buy at levels in the 90’s! It doesn’t make sense!
It makes perfect sense since the intentions and spendings of players show any thinkable combination. Most important: I have yet to witness the first player to meddle with the numbers themselves - they are genuine WGT programming!
Your description looks a lot like a view on me after turning Master, seven years ago! I was close to L83 and still had Starter driver + irons. I struggled to reach the fairway (or cross the water) on some holes (KIA?). My high score was 86 with just a few custom clubs (still fond of my Rapture FW wood!)
Only after buying the Ping set at L83 could I advance further.