We seem to be way behind everywhere else on this. I've been to so many places that have local resident rates. Scotland, Ireland, USA, Australia......they all seem to have them and they apply to all courses that accept visitors.
Until the supply of rich americans, aussies, japanese etc dry up I think we are stuck with the crazy prices.
There does seem to be a growing number of 'clubs' you can sign up to for access to top tier clubs but they are often only for members of 'top 100' clubs but these can be expensive as well. Thousand Greens used to be free but is now $250 a year.
