WORLEY, Idaho (March 1, 2006) -- Circling Raven Golf Club, the sparkling amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, today announces that its stay-and-play package with nearby Coeur d’Alene Resort and its golf course has been renewed this season and is now available.

The two world-class golf properties and members of the Idaho Golf Trail’s Northern Loop – they are located 25 minutes from one another – first collaborated with the stay-and-play package last season. The package proved so popular with discerning golf travelers that it has been revived.

Golf package prices are available starting from $209, resort tax and surcharges, per person/double occupancy. To understand the value of this package, consider that to golf these courses this season will cost a combined $330 at peak rates. The special package offers guests a savings of more than $300.

“Circling Raven and Coeur d’Alene Resort Course understand that discriminating golfers seek the best courses and resorts to enjoy and will schedule their vacations accordingly,” says Circling Raven Director of Golf David Christenson, the PGA of America’s Pacific Northwest Section Merchandiser of the Year. “This was proven last season when there was extreme demand for the package and it helped the Idaho Panhandle become known as a premier golf destination.”

Circling Raven (www.circlingraven.com), which garnered best-new-course status from GOLF, Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines after its first full season (2004), is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Indians and part of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel. It is located 45 minutes from Spokane airport.

Coeur d’Alene Resort Course is widely recognized as one of the most immaculate courses worldwide and home to the spectacular floating green par-3 which golfers reach via boat. The resort course is part of the multi-amenity CDA Resort.

The special golf package includes one night’s accommodation at Coeur d’Alene Resort, as well as 18 holes at the CDA Resort Course, caddie service, luxury cart, range use, boat transportation from the CDA Resort to the course, and warm-up massage at the practice range. It also includes 18 holes at Circling Raven, $10 cash at the CDA Casino, golf cart with GPS system, use of its pristine 25-acre practice facility, and an amazing bag tag made of copper and shaped like an Indian arrowhead.
To book this package call (800) 688-5253. For more information about Circling Raven and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort call (800) 523-2464.

About Circling Raven Golf Club

Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and 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.

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 Course

Designer: Gene Bates

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
About Coeur d’Alene Resort Course
Designer
Scott Miller – worked with the Jack Nicklaus Organization for 10 years
The Floating Green
• Size: 15,000 Square Feet
• Weight: 5,000,000 lbs
• Movement: Playable Yardage 100-175 Yards (267 Yards for Winter Storage)
• Distance: Changes every day! (distance controlled by computer)
Course
• Par 71
• 6,300 Yards in Length
• Encompasses 200 Acres
• The Course includes 4.5 miles of concrete cart paths
• Restrooms are located beneath #7 & #10 Tees (out of site from golfers)
• Contoured course so you are not able to see other golfers
• Lake views from all 18 holes
Transportation
• Two custom designed, hand crafted, Honduran Mahogany Water Taxis
Forecaddie & Guest Service Program
• 1 Caddie per Foursome - Private Concierge for Guests: Rakes Sand traps, Finds Golf Balls, Cleans Clubs, Provides Distances
• Laser Distance Reader: The only Golf Course in the world to use them
• 15 Minute Rule: Providing an enjoyable round in 4 1/2 hours
• Fax orders on #9 Tee and delivers in Picnic Basket on #10 Tee
• Complimentary massage therapy on Driving Range
Luxury Carts
• Custom designed carts feature heated seats and are equipped with a Tee Dispenser, Beverage Cart Cooler, Shoe/Accessory Storage Area, Waste Receptacle, Ball and Club Washers (eliminating all waste receptacles, ball washers and club washers on Course)

CONTACT:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications
703-891-3320, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com