I think it is important to note that a course's costs do not decrease due to poor conditions. If anything they increase. More labor is needed, buying sand and seed is an added cost, equipment might need to be rented, etc. In this current market MOST courses are suffering from a brutal winter and a terrible spring. Why heavily discount when the paying field is somewhat equal?

It is also a fallacy to think that "full" price at a golf course is reserved for pristine conditions. A lot of things go into factoring the price of a round and conditions are only 1 small part of that equation. "Full" price is more reflective of average conditions in a high demand time slot. Anyone can find something to complain about in any given round of golf. If full price meant 100% perfect conditions every round would have to be discounted. The price is always going to be an average of what the market will bear. Would anyone here pay a premium above the posted rate if the course felt that they were in perfect shape? Highly unlikely.

As for courses outside the city offering "great" deals. Is saving $10-$20 worth driving an hour each way? Gas is over $1.20 / liter, not to mention your time. Would you work for $3 or $4 an hour? No! Why do people feel it is then a "deal" to drive a significant distance to save a couple of dollars?

Play the courses you like to play. Conditions will vary. Focus on what the courses are trying to do to improve and not just the result.