WORLEY, Idaho – Circling Raven Golf Club and the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel has announced the award-winning Gene Bates layout in the scenic Idaho Panhandle has been named Idaho’s No. 2 course in Golfweek’s 10th 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 therefore this is the first time the course has been eligible for Golfweek’s America’s Best state-by-state rankings.

Circling Raven is a sparkling amenity owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Indians tribe as part of their popular Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Hotel in Worley.

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 400,000, perennially sends roughly 300 “America’s Best” raters in search of notable places the public can play.

“We are honored to receive this latest acclaim for Circling Raven Golf Club, and we are proud that so such recognition has been bestowed upon us after only one full season,” says David Matheson, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel CEO and a tribe member. “Our players 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 efforts to offer a unique destination resort and an unforgettable golf experience.”

Circling Raven’s “neighbor” and fellow member of the fledgling Idaho Golf Trail, 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 course punch as perhaps exists in the nation.
The two courses are located approximately 35 minutes from one another and are the primary reason the Idaho Golf Trail is rapidly garnering national attention.

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

To understand the allure and value of Circling Raven’s $79 peak season greens fee rate in 2005, one should consider that the Coeur d’Alene Resort Course will charge a peak rate of $225 for 18 holes this summer.

This is the latest positive news coming from Circling Raven. It comes on the heels of its banner debut season in 2004 when, in addition to the best-new acclaim it achieved from national publications, it exceeded projected rounds played, and was awarded a place in the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary program – a very important distinction given the sacred role land represents to the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe, which owns and operates the property.

Convenient to 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.

For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, visit www.cdacasino.com, or call 1-800-523-2464.

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

For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club, e-mail Director of Golf Dave Christenson at dchristenson@cdacasino.com or call 1-800-523-2464 x 7223.