The Landings Golf & Athletic Club Celebrates as an Award-Winning Golf Course Community in 2024
Last year was an exceptional year for The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, securing several premier club and tournament honors in addition to earning individual staff awards. All these honors showcase our excellence in world-class amenities and service as an award-winning golf course community. And we couldn’t have done any of it without our outstanding membership.
The Landings Golf & Athletic Club members’ dedication and passion have made the Club the vibrant and thriving community it is today. Each member has contributed ideas, time, effort and enthusiasm that has propelled the club to new heights. These awards are a testament to all members’ hard work and collaborative spirit.
Let’s recap each standout award:
The Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club and Korn Ferry Tour
The Club’s yearly premier golf tournament each spring is the Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club held at our renowned Deer Creek Course. The tournament is a part of the Korn Ferry Tour schedule and is a four-day, 72-hole, stroke-play competition. The event is an opportunity for us to welcome a national and international audience to our legendary golf lifestyle.
The Korn Ferry Tour awarded The Landings Golf & Athletic Club with these two prestigious honors:
Tournament of the Year
For the first time, the Club, which hosts the Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, earned the prestigious Tournament of the Year Award. Deciding factors, according to Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin, were that the Club:
- Delivered a first-class luxurious golf experience for players, caddies, sponsors, volunteers, fans and staff throughout tournament week
- Engaged with the greater Savannah community and golf community through strong charitable efforts, culminating in more than $450,000 raised for charitable organizations in greater Savannah and beyond, bringing the tournament’s seven-year total to more than $1.6 million
- Provided an impressive fan experience, with a variety of activities leading up to and during tournament week, including a 5k, youth clinic, fan zone and Military Appreciation Day
- Increased sales efforts within the local and regional business communities, helping achieve 35% year-over-year revenue growth from 2023 to 2024
- Became one of seven Korn Ferry Tour events to be televised on the Golf Channel
- Had a vast and dependable volunteer contingent, led by engaged volunteers who were consistently well-trained and prepared for competition days
Host Facility of the Year
In addition, the Club was named the Host Facility of the Year, a new award in 2024 recognizing a Korn Ferry Tour Host Facility that demonstrates exceptional performance and engagement in contributing to a best-in-class experience for players, caddies, sponsors and other key tournament constituents. Deciding factors included:
- Providing generous hospitality for Korn Ferry Tour players through exceptional dining, access to club amenities and a private community housing program in partnership with club members
- Approximately 90% of the tournament’s volunteers were members of the club, indicative of an active and engaged membership
Platinum Club of America Designation
For the first time, The Landings Golf & Athletic Club earned the Platinum Club of America designation from the Club Leaders Forum.
Platinum Club status has been the most revered recognition in the private clubs industry since the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board was established in 1997.
Club leaders elect Platinum Clubs every two years through a confidential vote, using seven criteria as guidelines:
- Universal Recognition
- Excellence in Amenities and Facilities
- Caliber of Staff and Professional Service Levels
- Engagement and Commitment of Membership
- Governance and Prudent Fiscal Management
- Adapting to Changing Times, and
- Overall Experience
“Earning Platinum Club status validates the investment and support of our members, the vision and persistence of our volunteer leadership, and the quality execution of our professional staff,” said Steven Freund, executive director. “Platinum designation affirms that The Landings Golf & Athletic Club has evolved beyond being among the largest clubs in the world, to being among the most exceptional leading-edge clubs. This is a justifiable source of pride for our membership, and all associated with bringing our mission and vision to life.”
Foundation of Distinguished Clubs – Elite Status
The Club also was awarded an Elite Club status by the Foundation of Distinguished Clubs. Clubs withElite status exceed the criteria, as they provide the highest standards of top-tier service, facilities, and amenities, and are one of the most highly regarded private clubs with membership fees/dues set accordingly. These clubs consistently achieve an outstanding Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Merit, Excellence and Intelligence metrics.
Golf, Inc. Awards Palmetto Golf Course with Renovation of the Year – 3rd place
The 35-year-old Palmetto course needed a $3.7 million update to ensure pristine conditions and relevance for the modern game. The goal was to bring the greens’ speed up to modern play standards, which required improvements to soil, sand and drainage.
The renovation also included adding forward tees, adjusting the location of bunkers and regressing all fairways. In addition, the location of some of the greens was shifted to benefit from sun/shade conditions.
According to Golf, Inc., this year’s winners overcame outdated designs and decades of course wear-and-tear to deliver something truly special. The Palmetto was originally built in 1985. Designed by Arthur Hills, the course is considered by many to be our most challenging.
Links 2024 Premier Properties Guide – The World’s Best Golf Communities
Links magazine aptly says “There’s More of Everything at The Landings,” which is exactly what landed us on its top list of best golf communities in the world.
The heart of the gated luxury community is the club. Along with 15 pickleball courts, there are 31 tennis courts, 10 restaurants, more than 160 social clubs and organizations, five pools, 30-plus miles of trails, a community garden, eight bocce courts, a 52,000-square-foot wellness/fitness center, and two deepwater marinas. And we can’t forget the six championship golf courses.
Association of Golf Merchandisers – Platinum Award
The Club additionally received awards for excellence in golf and retail, including the AGM Platinum Award, which recognizes the top golf retail outlets in the world.
The award is given to public, private, resort, and off-course golf shops and recognizes excellence in merchandising, promotions, customer service, and more.
In addition to organization and community awards we received in 2024, several of our talented team members also were acknowledged.
PGA of America – Georgia Section
- Scott Justman, Director of Golf, received the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which recognizes a PGA golf pro who exemplifies outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through mentoring and making significant impacts on fellow pros’ careers.
- Joe Plecker, Director of Golf Instruction, received the Teacher and Coach of the Year, which celebrates a PGA pro who demonstrates exceptional coaching skills, dedication to student improvement, and significant contributions to golf education and player development.
National Club Association – Excellence in Club Management
- Steven Freund, Club Executive Director, received the James H. Brewer Award for demonstrating exceptional skills and achievements in managing a club with 600 or more full-time members
GCSAA
- Travis Goss, Assistant Superintendent, received the Assistant Superintendent of the Year award
- Chris Steigelman, Director of Facilities & Projects, received the Distinguished Service Award
Discover The Landings Golf & Athletic Club
To experience firsthand our award-winning golf community and other luxury gated-community amenities, learn more about membership or schedule your Discovery Visit today.