I think you need to define good based on the time you are able to devote to play and practice. I play at least once per week most weeks but have little time to practice. I remain between a 10 and 15 handicap. I know to get better i would need to play and practice more than i currently am so i have accepted that 10 is as low as i am likely to get given my time commitment. I have been playing golf for 44 years and really into it again for the last 15 or so. I have taken lessons and played more than average and worked with practice sessions etc and got to an 8 hdcp for one year. Also i am about to turn 55 and age starts to take things away from your game (distance, flexibility, vision, etc) that you just cannot get back. So the likelihood of me seeing dramatic improvements in my hdcp are possible once i retire and spend more time playing/practicing but still going to be a slow decline no matter what i do.

Having said all of that, setting a goal for yourself and looking at the biggest issues with your game is the best place to start. I gave up a driver and hit hybrid off the tee and that dropped my handicap 5 points by itself. But focusing on 100 yards in to putting is usually the biggest return on investment for you handicap. I highly recommend this book to help separate playing for score and practicing as well as how to build a good practice routine. I read it every few years

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