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Platinum Clubs of the World
®
About
The increased number of “top 100 courses in the world” lists published over the last decade has made them less relevant and eroded their credibility. Many “top 100 golf course” lists are internet and commercially driven as magazines award top 100 status to courses that advertise. Personal agendas drive others.
The election of Platinum Clubs of the World is a transparent process, managed by a third party with the results certified. The voting Panel is asked to utilize the Seven Selection Criteria when casting their confidential vote. Platinum Clubs excel in all areas of their operation, not just the golf course or food quality. The process covers the gamut of the Seven Selection Criteria, which culminates in a vote for the overall experience
ELECTION
Platinum Clubs® of the World accept applications from Clubs around the World as well as recommendations from the Panel to appear on a Preliminary Ballot. This Ballot is sent out to the Panel for review in advance of the vote which takes place every two years (odd years). The Panel then has the opportunity to recommend additions or deletions in assembling the Final Ballot. Only Private Golf, Country, City and Yacht Clubs are eligible for consideration for Platinum Clubs of the World status.
Platinum Clubs of the World, Asia-Pacific and Europe have the opportunity to apply for the Platinum License, which provides clubs with the authority to use the Platinum Clubs logos, likeness and marks in all communication materials. The License Program includes various recognition items, a subscription to The FORUM, and invitations to exclusive events held by Club Leaders Forum.
LICENSE PROGRAM
The Election
CATEGORIES
There are three Platinum Club of the World categories for election: Golf & Country Clubs, City Clubs and Yacht Clubs. In total, there are 250 Clubs that have earned the honor of being a Platinum Club of the World. Clubs that were voted within five points of elected Platinum Clubs are acknowledged with an Honorable Mention, and are Candidates for Platinum status in 2023-24.
Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and Platinum Clubs of Europe are elected in the Golf & Country Club category. The Top 50 Clubs in each region are awarded Platinum status, and all the benefits it provides.
BALLOTS
Platinum Clubs® of the World accept applications from Clubs around the World as well as recommendations from the Panel to appear on a Preliminary Ballot. This Ballot is sent out to the Panel for review in advance of the vote which takes place every two years (odd years). The Panel then has the opportunity to recommend additions or deletions in assembling the Final Ballot. Only Private Golf, Country, City and Yacht Clubs are eligible for consideration for Platinum Clubs of the World status.
THE VOTE
After receiving recommendations from the Panel, Club Leaders Forum distributes the Final Ballot. Panel Members are asked to vote for each Club on the Ballot that they have visited, considering the Platinum Clubs of the World Seven Selection Criteria, as approved by the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board. The Panel may amend their vote as many times as they wish during the 30-day voting period.
The vote is conducted electronically and confidentially through a third party. Points are awarded by the position and ranking that the Panelist assigns to each Club. The total number of points is calculated and divided by the total number of Panelists who have visited a Club to determine the final points score.
Categories and Points
Golf & Country Clubs
100 PLATINUM CLUBS
The 2020-21 election marked the introduction of two new Platinum categories as the Top 50 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs of Asia-Pacific and the Top 50 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs of Europe were recognized with Platinum status.
1–3 = 100 points
4–10 = 85 points
11–25 = 70 points
26–50 = 60 points
51-75 = 50 points
76-100 = 40 points
101-150 = 20 points
151-200 = 10 points
201-250 = 5 points
251+ = 0 points
City Clubs
100 PLATINUM CLUBS
Since the inaugural election and introduction of the City Club category to Platinum Clubs of the World, City Clubs have included Platinum recognition and the Seven Selection Criteria as a benchmark in their Strategic Planning process. The Platinum City Clubs of the World 2020-21 are listed alphabetically and represent the finest Clubs in the world that demonstrate Excellence in all aspects of their operation. These Clubs exercise consummate management practices under the direction of consistent and prudent governance.
1–3 = 100 points
4–10 = 85 points
11–25 = 70 points
26–50 = 60 points
51-75 = 50 points
76-100 = 40 points
101-150 = 20 points
151-200 = 10 points
201-250 = 5 points
251+ = 0 points
Yacht Clubs
50 PLATINUM CLUBS
Yacht Clubs have been recognized in the Platinum Clubs of America elections for more than 20 years. This year, with the approval of the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board, the esteemed Panel were asked to cast their votes for the Top 50 Platinum Yacht Clubs of the World. The Clubs are listed alphabetically and confirm that Yachting is a global activity and lifestyle.
1–3 = 100 points
4–10 = 80 points
11–25 = 60 points
26-50 = 40 points
51-75 = 20 points
75-100 = 10 points
101+ = 0 points
What Club Leadership Has to Say
ALAN M. JACOBS
Shanqin Bay Golf Club, China
"Platinum status is the most respected recognition a Club can receive. The introduction of the Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific will elevate the experience for Members and guests at Clubs throughout the region and bring the finest Clubs closer together. This addition will be a game-changer in the Asia-Pacific region where Clubs previously focused on the Top 100 Courses in the World. Now, the goal is to become a Platinum Club of the World or one of the 50 Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific."
JAVIER REVIRIEGO
Real Club Valderrama, Spain
"Real Club Valderrama is very proud to be elected a Platinum Club of the World 2020-21. On behalf of my fellow Club Managers in Europe, I would like to thank Club Leaders Forum for acknowledging the Platinum Clubs of Europe for the first time. This new designation will provide Clubs throughout the region a benchmark and an opportunity to be recognized and connect with the finest Clubs in the world."
ANTHONY CALA
Tokyo American Club, Japan
"It was an honor that the Platinum Clubs of the World Panel elected our Club to the Top 100 City Clubs list, particularly after the rigorous evaluation by leading industry professionals. This recognition by Club Leaders Forum not only acknowledges our efforts to create five-star experiences but also reaffirms our brand to our partners, staff, members, and aspiring members."