John -
what would it be like to be 4 under AND at peace? I'd imagine it would feel wonderful (as would life itself, if we weren't afraid to be happy). But how will we ever even begin to catch a glimpse of that wonderful experience if we only play courses where we're sure to get "exactly what we deserve"?
I mean this seriously. I think a great golf course is one that holds up a mirror up (with flattering lighting): it reflects back to us (gently, unless we trifle with it) our wants and desires and egos and sore spots, but it ALSO gives us a few new options/ways of seeing and dealing with all that.
Peter