Doesn't shot value inherently include the ability to hit the required shot ?
Take the # 1 course in the country, Pine Valley.
While it can be played by the mid to high handicap from the forward tees, minimum standard shots are required on holes like # 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16 and 18 and to a lesser degree on the other holes.
And, distance rather than accuracy seems to be "Golf Digest's" primary focus.
Ergo, I think "Golf Digest's" rankings are geared toward the better golfer, despite the fact that the panelists don't always qualify for that category