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Acclaimed Circling Raven Golf Club and Renowned Coeur d’Alene Resort Course Renew Golf Stay-and-Play Package Due to Last Year’s Success and Demand
More Distinction for Scenic Panhandle Course Designed by Gene Bates
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club and the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel today announce that the award-winning Gene Bates layout in the scenic Idaho Panhandle has been named Idaho’s No. 2 course in Golfweek’s 11th annual, state-by-state ranking of “America’s Best Courses.”
This distinction is particularly impressive given 2004 was Circling Raven’s first full season and it has been ranked No. 2 in each of the first two years it has been eligible for Golfweek’s America’s Best state-by-state rankings.
Circling Raven is a sparkling amenity of the popular Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Hotel in Worley, which is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Indians.
Golfweek’s survey, which included all of Idaho’s courses, examined overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria. Golfweek, which has a readership of more than 500,000, perennially sends roughly 300 “America’s Best” raters in search of notable places the public can play.
“Circling Raven Golf Club is honored to again be recognized as a premier golf course by Golfweek,” says David Matheson, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel CEO and a tribe member. “Our guests tell us that Gene Bates created a masterpiece here, one that has become a clear favorite among golfers of all skill levels. This honor encourages us in our ongoing mission to offer a unique destination resort and an unforgettable golf experience.”
Circling Raven’s “neighbor” and fellow member of the Idaho Golf Trail’s Northern Loop, Coeur d’Alene Resort Course, was rated the No. 1 course in the state by Golfweek, underscoring the assertion by many raters and industry participants that these two courses comprise perhaps as strong a one-two public-access course punch as perhaps exists in the nation.
Circling Raven and CDA Resort Course are located 25 minutes apart and offer a value-laden stay-and-play package together. To understand the allure and value of Circling Raven’s $85 peak season greens fee rate in 2006, one should consider that the Coeur d’Alene Resort Course will charge a peak rate of $250 for 18 holes this summer.
Two other Idaho Golf Trail courses round out the top five courses in Idaho according to Golfweek. Sun Valley and Banbury come in at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively. Falconcrest was No. 5.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club visit www.circlingraven.com , or call 1-800-523-2464.
About Circling Raven and the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel
A convenient 45-minute drive from Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and golf club are nestled on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland. The resort spans the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains.
Golf, gaming (video gaming machines, off-track betting, bingo), brand-name entertainment, fine dining, plush lodging and a spectacular array of natural resources – including majestic snow-capped mountain views – define the resort.
The course namesake is revered in Coeur d’Alene tribal lore. Circling Raven was an 18th century headman, or chief, whose vision foretold the coming of the “black robes” and the dramatic change they would bring to the tribe. When Fr. Pierre DeSmet, the famed Jesuit missionary, arrived in the region in 1842, Circling Raven’s vision had already been shared with several generations of tribal members. As a result, the tribe embraced Catholicism and in short time built the Old Mission Church at Cataldo. Completed in 1852, it remains the oldest standing building in Idaho.
Tribal history also tells us that Circling Raven was a spiritually powerful leader, his name coming from his close relationship to the raven, who helped guide him on his journeys, warn him of danger and show him where to find fish and game.
Circling Raven was created amid a unique blend of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. At 7,189 yards, the par 72 championship layout meanders through 620 acres, only 100 representing cultivated ground. Wildlife is abundant, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional black bear. In fact, the opening was delayed due to damage on two greens by migrating elk.
The player’s experience is that of a links-style course. On the back nine, the only hole a golfer can see is the hole he or she is playing. Wetlands impact play on 13 holes, natural grasses complement the wetlands on 16 holes and a mix of Ponderosa Pines, Aspens, Cottonwoods and Birch blend into the scenery throughout. The blue grass fairways and bent grass greens are closely manicured, as would be expected at a premier resort golf course.
The player’s greatest challenges are “Tees and Threes,” meaning accurate driving and careful management of the four par 3s, all measuring over 200 yards from the back tees. White sand, brought in from Emmet, Idaho, fills 60 bunkers.
Golf Specifics
Yardages: Gold, 7,189; Blue, 6,578; White, 6,108; Red, 5,389; Green, 4,708
Total Acreage: 670 (including practice area, practice green and clubhouse)
Amenities: The clubhouse is 6,500 square feet, including the Twisted Earth Grill and full service bar. Both locker rooms include showers and lockers. The practice facility covers 25 acres; separated into areas for wedges, sand play and all clubs in the bag. The resort adjacent to the course includes 202 hotel rooms, casino, events center, buffet, and restaurant, off track betting and conference/convention facilities.
L93 Bent Grass Greens
Bluegrass tees, fairways and rough
Golf Carts: Equipped with a Global Positioning System
2006 Greens Fees: Peak season fees: $75 Mon-Thurs, $85 Fri-Sun and include GPS-mounted golf carts and unlimited use of the pristine, 25-acre practice facility included.
2006 Packages: Start at $94.50 per person based on double occupancy.
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