Tom,
Yes I have seen initial resistance, then acceptance. The resistance is usually based on tradition, male ego, fears about handicap going down, etc. it's only when the play a while and discover the course is more fun that they totally accept it, at least in many cases.
And, it is true that one great shot can keep you coming back. Studies show average golfers need to hit 10-15 good shots a round to come back. Under 10 and they just give up the game. Still, most gravitate to courses where they can shoot their average score for daily play, and like the once a year type challenge in all the various golf resorts where they play for the experience as much as score.