WORLEY, Idaho – Jan. 19, 2004 – Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort has announced that Steve Caruso has been promoted to Head Golf Professional at Circling Raven Golf Club, one of the resort's many high-quality amenities, which was recently named one of "America's Best New Courses" by Golf Digest magazine and is a member of the exciting, new Idaho Golf Trail.
Caruso, 38, is a native of nearby Spokane, Wash., and a Professional Golfers Association member. Prior to his promotion, Caruso was the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Circling Raven, managing the pro shop staff and overseeing guest services since the course opened in August 2003. His responsibilities also included tournament director and event planning for Circling Raven.
"Steve Caruso has brought us the strengths of his professionalism and integrity," says Circling Raven Director of Golf David Christenson. "Those qualities and his many years of experience in golf and in the region are among the reasons for our success and popularity as a golf venue."
Circling Raven exceeded projected rounds played and golf retail shop sales in 2004, its first full season. The golf club did not have a Head Professional prior to Caruso's promotion. Caruso, a widely respected teaching professional, was one of the region's top junior golfers before earning a scholarship to the University of Washington, where he helped the Huskies to a Pac 10 golf championship in 1988. Caruso graduated from UW with a degree in Business Administration.
In 1994, Caruso coached Clarkston High School to the AA boy's golf state championship. He was an assistant pro at Clarkston Golf and Country Club from 1992-1995 and at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course from 1995-2000.
James Samuels, the first Coeur d'Alene tribal member to become a golf professional, will be promoted from 2nd assistant to 1st assistant professional. Samuels began pursuit of his PGA membership in 2004. Moscow native Jared Jones, soon to graduate from the University of Idaho, has been added to an expanded Circling Raven staff, taking over as Tournament Director and Event Planner. Jones served his internship for Professional Golf Management at Circling Raven in 2004.
About Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort
Convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and golf club are owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe 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.
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.
Circling Raven has been awarded a place in Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary System. 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.
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.
Greens: L93 Bent Grass
Turf: Bluegrass tees, fairways and rough
Golf Carts: Equipped with a Global Positioning System
2004 Greens Fees: Peak season fees: $65 Mon-Thurs, $75 Fri-Sun and include golf carts.
