They tend to stay in the mid-80's. Because that's their vision of themselves. That's who they are as a golfer and that image is very powerful. I'll never do that again. And, of course, they will be right.
Comfort zones are very powerful things.
We all have them. If not for golf, then for our income and our social status and our ability to dance and our educational level. We have hundreds, if not thousands, of comfort zones that operate subtly in the background at all times. They are written on our walls and beg to be changed. This is essential for many golfers if their improvement is going to last.