A steep learning curve about the golfing protocol

The first day went off ok even tho I was a fish out of water. Golfing protocol & etiquette processes are a different to golfing at home where you choose a course & arrange with others to play, turn up play have a beer and go home. Not much is the same here other than actually hitting the ball. Things seem very clicky here especially when there is a heavy mix of holidayers and some long term permanent residents. Most (at least in this golf group I have chosen) appear to want to play 2-3 times a week. Now I hear the golfers say "lucky bastards" but let me tell you the cost of a game. To start there is the green fee ($30 - $180), the comp fee ($10), bus transport ($10), Caddy fee for the club ($15), caddy tip (min $15) & of course the drive buggy ($25-30). So even on a cheap green fee course the cost per day is $100+ ... and many are doing it three times a week!!! and that does not include the pre, during & post eats & drinks. Not much change from $150 Not sure I am keen on that so I opted to walk instead of the drive buggy in a group of four where 3 were driving it was not a good thing. The caddies all want to help each other so we "hitched a ride" between some shots & tees until an abrasive aussie complained loudly. I actually like to walk and chat but seems not the done thing here. Since that this first time I have played a few more times and some people always walk so maybe I just need to link up with them. Another small difficulty is the vaguaries of tipping (ref caddy tip) and whilst I have liked the games of golf I have played to date I am not completely comfortable with the protocols and need a rethink. The going rate seems to be 300B tip for the caddy. It's a steeo curve but getting there and being a bit more selective about the games & courses I plan to play. Mind you if i was playing once a week at home I would be wrapped. On the plus side the courses are fantastic. All have been in great condition and the greens, oh dear. I thought I was an ok putter before I came here but they have destroyed me and my score. Last Wednesday I had six 3 putt bogies ... a very unhappy chappy. Mind you I am still playing to get my handicap so it will help for the moment. I am hoping to play again on Monday at Pleasant Valley Golf club. http://www.pleasantvalley-golf.com/golf/ watch this space