Platinum Clubs® of the World, Asia-Pacific, and Europe & Middle East
Election, Vote & Points
OVERVIEW
Once the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board has approved the Final Election Ballot, it is distributed to the Platinum Clubs of the World Panel. Only Private Golf &, Country Clubs, City Clubs and Yacht Clubs are eligible for consideration for Platinum Clubs of the World status.
The Platinum Clubs of the World Panel utilize the Final Election Ballot to vote which culminates in the recognition of Platinum Clubs of the World, Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and Platinum Clubs of Europe & Middle East. Clubs are awarded Platinum status in Asia-Pacific and in Europe & Middle East in the Golf & Country Clubs category only.
The Platinum Clubs Election
PLATINUM CLUB CATEGORIES
There are three Platinum Clubs of the World categories for election: 100 Golf & Country Clubs, 100 City Clubs and 50 Yacht Clubs. In total, there are 250 Clubs that earn the honor of Platinum Clubs of the World recognition. Clubs that were voted within five points of being elected Platinum Clubs outside of Asia-Pacific and Europe & Middle East are acknowledged with an Honorable Mention, and are candidates for Platinum status in 2026-27.
Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and Platinum Clubs of Europe & Middle East are elected in the Golf & Country Club category. The Top 50 Clubs in each region are awarded Platinum status.
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLATINUM CLUB ELECTION 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. These recommendations are considered by the Advisory Board and the Final Election Ballot is approved for distribution.
THE PLATINUM CLUB VOTE
The voting Panel Members are advised 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.
Platinum Club Categories and Points and Rankings
There are three Platinum Club categories recognized in the Platinum Clubs of the World election, Golf & Country Clubs, City Clubs and Yacht Clubs. Points are awarded by the ranking assigned by the voting Panel for each Club. The total number of points is then divided by the number of Panel Members who vote for each Club to determine a final points total. Golf & Country Clubs in the Platinum Clubs of the World election are ranked 1 - 100. City Clubs and Yacht Clubs are recognized alphabetically. Golf & Country Clubs are also recognized alphabetically in the election for Platinum Clubs of Asia-Pacific and Europe & Middle East.
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
Club Leadership on Platinum Recognition
ANDY JOHNSON
General Manager
Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Being a member of Platinum Clubs of the World for the past decade has been an extraordinary privilege. This distinguished organization represents the pinnacle of excellence, showcasing the most exceptional clubs from around the globe. The networking opportunities it offers are invaluable, allowing us to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share our passion for excellence. As a symbol of our commitment to delivering unrivaled experiences, the Platinum Clubs of the World membership holds great significance for us. It reinforces our dedication to continually strive for perfection and provides us with a platform to connect, learn, and grow alongside the world's finest clubs.
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."
JOEY GARON
Genral, England
Being a part of Platinum Clubs of the World is our ultimate achievement at Shanqin Bay. We owe this accomplishment to two key factors. First and foremost, to the exceptional Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board and Panelists. Secondly, Platinum Clubs goes beyond merely assessing physical assets; it recognizes and evaluates all aspects of our Club's operations, management, membership quality, traditions, and conditions.
We proudly showcase the exquisite plaque bestowed upon us and to further honor this distinction, we have erected a special board that all players must pass on the way to the first tee. Each day our Club is open, the Platinum Clubs of the World flag is flown, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to excellence. Additionally, our top twelve caddies, known as Platinum Caddies, wear commemorative pins on their uniforms, distinguishing them for their exceptional service to our esteemed Members and their guests. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, they are compensated at a higher rate.
At Shanqin Bay, we aspire to remain part of the Platinum Clubs of the World family. We understand the immense value of being elected a Platinum Club, which serves as a constant reminder of the high standards and unwavering commitment we maintain.
TRISTAN HALL
Sunningdale Golf Club, England
"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."