Platinum Clubs® of the World, Asia-Pacific, and Europe & Middle East
About
In 2023, the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board voted to expand the Top 100 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs to the Top 150, in response to the increasing number of Clubs worldwide demonstrating Excellence as per the Seven Selection Criteria.
The proliferation of "top 100 courses in the world" rankings in recent years has diminished their significance and undermined their credibility. Many of these rankings are influenced by internet and commercial interests, as some publications grant top 100 status to courses that advertise with them, while personal agendas also come into play.
The selection of Platinum Clubs of the World follows a transparent process overseen by a third party, with certified results. The voting Panel is instructed to consider the Seven Selection Criteria when casting their confidential votes. Platinum Clubs are expected to excel across all aspects of their operations, not limited to golf course quality or culinary offerings. The evaluation process encompasses the full spectrum of the Seven Selection Criteria, culminating in a vote that reflects the overall club experience.
ELECTION
Platinum Clubs® of the World accept applications from Clubs around the world as well as recommendations from the panel to appear on the 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, Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and Platinum Clubs of Europe & Middle East 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 and marketing materials. The License Program includes exclusive events, educational programs, various recognition items, quarterly surveys and a subscription to The FORUM publication.
LICENSE PROGRAM
The Election
CATEGORIES
For 2024-2025 there are three Platinum Clubs of the World categories for election: Golf & Country Clubs, City Clubs and Yacht Clubs. In total, there are 300 clubs that will earn the honor of being a Platinum Club of the World. Clubs that are voted within five points of being elected Platinum Clubs are acknowledged with an Honorable Mention, and are candidates for Platinum status in 2024-2025.
Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and Platinum Clubs of Europe & Middle East are elected in the Golf & Country Club category only. The Top 50 clubs in each region are awarded Platinum status.
BALLOTS
Platinum Clubs of the World accepts applications from Clubs around the world as well as recommendations from the panel to appear on the 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 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
150 PLATINUM CLUBS OF THE WORLD 50 PLATINUM CLUBS OF ASIA-PACIFIC 50 PLATINUM CLUBS OF EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
In 2023, The Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board unanimously voted to increase the number of ranked Platinum Clubs of the World in the Golf & Country Clubs category to an esteemed list of the Top 150 Clubs. The Top 50 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs of Europe now include the Middle East. The Top 50 Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and The Top 50 Platinum Clubs of Europe & Middle East are listed alphabetically.
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 = 25 points
151–200 = 10 points
201–250 = 7 points
251–300 = 5 points
301+ = 0 points
City Clubs
100 PLATINUM CLUBS OF THE WORLD
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 2024-2025 will be listed alphabetically.
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 OF THE WORLD
Yacht Clubs have been recognized in the Platinum Clubs of America elections for more than 20 years. This category, with the approval of the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board, was added in 2020-2021. Platinum Yacht Clubs of the World are listed alphabetically.
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."