WORLEY, Idaho -- After hosting an invitation-only event for its top 100 customers Dec. 10-11, the Circling Raven Golf Club – the sparkling amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel in the scenic Idaho Panhandle – is following up with an appreciation event for the general public Dec. 17-18.
During their appreciation event, Circling Raven’s top customers were treated to golf-shop items at discounted rates, giveaways, appetizers and drinks. The golf shop and its display, which features unique Indian Country artwork and golf merchandise, are also award-winning. Director of Golf Dave Christenson and the shop were recently named 2005 Merchandiser of the Year by the PGA of America’s Northwest Section, which includes such notable golf clubs as Bandon Dunes, Sun Valley and Coeur d’Alene Resort, home of the famous floating green, and, like Circling Raven, a member of the Idaho Golf Trail’s Northern Loop.
“Circling Raven puts its customers and their happiness first, so it’s a privilege for us to be able to thank them for their strong and loyal support since Day One,” says Christenson. “Our tee sheet was often full and our merchandise sales exceeded projections by 39 percent this year. This is a small token of our appreciation.”
Circling Raven’s top customers were sent their invitations via letter along with a screensaver CD with 18 images of the 7,189-yard course, which just completed its second full season and has been accorded best-of accolades from Golf, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Zagat Survey. It is a stunningly beautiful Gene Bates design set on spectacular rolling terrain alternately dotted with woodlands, wetlands and a plethora of indigenous wildlife, flora and fauna.
The second customer-appreciation event will open to the public on Dec. 17-18 and offer many of the same benefits, but not to the same extent as the top-100 customers’ event.
Circling Raven’s golf club is open to the public Wednesdays-Sundays, from now to Dec. 30, 10 am to 5 pm, with a wide and high-quality collection of merchandise for sale, much of it with the legendary Circling Raven logo on it.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, visit www.golfcirclingraven.net, or call 1-800-523-2464.
About Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel
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), top sporting and entertainment events, fine dining, plush lodging and a spectacular array of natural resources 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.
L93 Bent Grass Greens
Bluegrass tees, fairways and rough
Golf Carts: Equipped with a Global Positioning System
Greens Fees: 2005 peak season fees were $69 Mon-Thurs, $79 Fri-Sun includes cart and GPS.
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
