I think it might be that most of these guys are into the sport/activity that the shop deals in. Like the foresome in front of you are always hackers or the guy down the stream is always a bait fisherman in your eyes or you buddies eyes, the guys at the shop look at you as a no good, beginner, here to buy some clubs and fill up the local course even more than it is and bascially screw up their good times. Then you show them you are a decent golfer and you become part of the in crowd. I think activities like this are clicky and it shows in the shop as much as on the course. It still isn't a good way to conduct business.