SimGamer:
It doesn't take a lot of talent to go from really bad to average. I'm sure the game is designed for people to learn to shoot a 70 really quick, because if we stepped up and shot in the 80's every time, we'd all quit. There needs to be some sort of progression early on to hook us into the game.
I expect I'll be shooting in the 66-68 range pretty soon. If I want to regularly shoot lower than that, I'll likely need to level up to be able to purchase better clubs. I've been playing some Ready Go tournaments lately (just the ones that cost 10 credits), and from what I can tell, you need to be able to shoot in the 64-62 range to have the game be "self sustaining" financially. I feel like I'm a long way off from doing that.
As you level up and get experience, shooting lower scores gets easier and easier, but then as you move up tiers you have to play from longer tees and the greens get faster so it's back to a new challenge to improve at the tougher level.
From an economic point of view, I found it best at lower levels to spend money on clubs and play starter balls. For one, you lose balls a lot more often when you are just getting started and the clubs can last you through several tiers as you level up. Getting a driver that can add some pop is definitely a must and then eventually you need some better irons and wedges and at some point a 3 wood. I think I lasted with starter balls until I hit Tour Master and then I need a little more distance and spin to make better scores possible.