I looked at this list and thought how great it is that there are some high quality golf courses that are extremely accessible (perhaps with the exception - due to cost - of a TPC). I believe Bethpage Red is an outstanding golf course, and one that I would gladly play repeatedly (despite the 5+ hours we all know it typically takes). So, if in the view of X # of raters (however many necessary to get a course on this list) there are 26 'better' municipal golf courses in the country, that gets me excited to go see some more munis. I am sure I will like some and perhaps dislike some, and certainly will not rank them in this exact order. To me, that is the beauty of these lists and the discussions and debates they spark.
I've played 9 of these courses - (1) Bethpage Black, (4) Torrey Pines South, (5) TPC Scottsdale, (17) Torrey Pines South, (27) Bethpage Red, (33) Desert Willow - Firecliff, (34) Breckenridge GC, (42) Montauk Downs, (44) Blackthorn. I would say virtually all of these courses are 'above average' among the roughly 300 courses I have personally played.
I am a member at a private club, and pay dues so that I can play a solid course, in good condition, at a reasonable (4hr max) pace. I know I won't get all of those things at most of the courses on this list, but I bet most of them provide great bang for the buck and a pretty darn good experience. I am reminded that I am overdue to see Sleepy Hollow up in Cleveland, haven't been out to Montauk in a few years, and still really want to play Pinon Hills.