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 outstanding revenue performance in August and is ahead of all revenue categories Year-To-Date.
Circling Raven, which has posted increases every month since it opened in August 2003, saw the number of rounds played increase 12 percent, merchandise sales by 32 percent and total income by 15 percent over August 2005 numbers.
Year-to-Date (April 1 - August 31, 2006) compared to the same time period in 2005, rounds are up six percent, merchandise sales 22 percent and total income 15 percent.
“Circling Raven is pleased to be performing well, which is critical; however, what makes us most satisfied and confident about future performance is that our financial performance is a direct result of our operating, marketing and customer service systems,” says Director of Golf David Christenson who was named the PGA of America’s Merchandiser of the Year in the Northwest Section.
Contributing to Circling Raven’s success and sustained momentum is the price point and value it affords players, not to mention the unspoiled beauty of the land on which it sits. Its peak playing fee in 2006 is $85, which includes GPS-equipped cart and full privileges at its top-line practice facility. This is a steal when one considers that courses comparable to Circling Raven fetch as much as two to three times more for a playing fee.
Circling Raven was designed by award-winning golf course architect Gene Bates and has garnered best-of accolades from Golf, Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines, as well as Zagat Survey.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club and 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.
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 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
