I think the weather has alot to do with it. Cold, nasty, windy, rainy are really not condusive to feeling good about a course, although I've enjoyed every bad weather round overseas, but not so in the US.
Poorly conditioned courses also tend to come up short.
Probably the one course I threw under the bus without repeat play in Oakmont, hated it and couldn't wait to get off it. Seminole is another, didn't hate it, just didn't get what all the hoopla was all about. Ditto Pinehurst II. Some of the subtle Coore and Crenshaw and Doak courses left me flat and uninspired.
I like a lot of eye candy, I'm a simpleton, give me a gal with a small waist, blonde hair and big tits...