WORLEY, Idaho -- Circling Raven Golf Club – the sparkling amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel in the scenic Idaho Panhandle – today announces the golf club posted strong numbers in April, the first month of the season and despite generally poor weather in the Pacific Northwest.
That Circling Raven managed to increase revenue by 18% month to month over April 2005 numbers is testament to the rising-star golf club’s growing reputation as one of the best courses in the world.
Not surprisingly, merchandise sales led the way and were up 21% month to month over April 2005. Circling Raven’s Director of Golf Dave Christenson was named 2005 Top Resort Merchandiser of the Year by his peers in the PGA of America Pacific Nortwhest Section, which includes Oregon, Central Washington, Western Washington, Western Montana and Northern Idaho.
This is particularly impressive given some of the older, more established golf resorts in the section include Bandon Dunes, Sunriver and Coeur d’Alene Resort, home of the famous floating green. Like Circling Raven, Coeur d’Alene Resort Course is a member of the Idaho Golf Trail’s Northern Loop. The two renowned courses are located 25 minutes apart and combine to form arguably one of the best one-two public access tandems in the world.
Rounds played month to month were flat compared to April 2005 but this was a function of an abundance of cold weather and rain Circling Raven suffered in the month’s first two weeks. However, the average green fee yield was substantially higher than expected.
“Circling Raven’s fast start to this season is the result of several factors, most importantly that our customers find us a great value and experience,” says Director of Golf Christenson. “We are grateful that they continue to consider us a venue where they can go to spend their time and hard-earned dollars and receive a high level of the customer service and satisfaction in return.”
This is Circling Raven’s third full season and the course is racking up more prestige and accolades with each campaign.
“We’ve been named a best-of course and resort by Golf, Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines, as well as by ZAGAT Survey,” says Christenson. “Those types of objective, third-party endorsements resonate with consumers and media, and we make sure we stay in front of them and let them know all that we offer. The best part of our success is, the golf club is an amenity for our Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, and many golfers are taking advantage of our stay-and-place packages, our casino and our other entertainment offerings.”
The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel-Circling Raven stay-and-play package is an incredible consumer gift, especially for midweek visitors. Starting at $94.50, the package rates include accommodations at the resort hotel and a round of golf Circling Raven.
Contributing to Circling Raven’s acclaim is the price point and value it affords players. Its peak playing fee in 2006 is $85 with GPS-equipped cart and full privileges at its top-line practice facility.
In keeping with the Coeur d’Alene tribe’s reverence for its land on which Circling Raven rests, the golf club has pursued and been awarded a place in Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary System. This means it has taken numerous rigorous steps to ensure that it is environmentally friendly and fosters wildlife habitat.
Circling Raven was designed by award-winning golf course architect Gene Bates, widely considered one of the world’s best.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, visit www.circlingraven.com, 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.
The course namesake is revered in Coeur d’Alene tribal lore. 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.
Club Specifics
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
CONTACT:
Dan Shepherd
Buffalo Communications
703-891-3320
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
