Using basic equipment and fighting "meter lock" make it almost impossible to go low. Could be a fun game but it's frustrating to deal with that. If they ever get the glitch fixed it could be possible.
in case you didn't know, you can let the meter "swing thru" when it acts up (just don't click the mouse button).
it'll act as a practice swing and you won't lose any strokes.
Figured that out after the post but doing that is hard depending on where it hangs in the meter.
Doctorfro,
When I was a player I found that switching to LOW graphics settings (in the options) would help to improve the performance a little bit. I'd recommend giving that a shot and seeing if it helps your situation.