WORLEY, Idaho – Dec. 7, 2004 – Circling Raven Golf Club and the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel have announced the golf substantially exceeded projected rounds played in its first full season. Circling Raven hosted 15 percent more projected rounds in 2004 than forecast, thanks in large part to a tremendous surge in the late summer and fall.
The golf course closed for the season last month, however, the clubhouse will remain open through December.

“Circling Raven really picked up steam and players as the season progressed,” says Director of Golf David Christenson. “Our player surveys tell us many golfers heard about us by word-of-mouth and the distinction we earned as a ‘best-new’ course in GOLF Magazine. Circling Raven’s strong first season and the momentum we enjoyed as the season progressed have us extremely excited for 2005.”

Circling Raven was named a ‘Top 10 New Courses You Can Play’ by GOLF Magazine this season. Contributing to Circling Raven’s popularity with golfers is the value it affords them. It charged $75 with cart for a round, while other nearby courses provided a wide disparity of prices. Twenty minutes away, Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Club went for $185, while public golf in nearby Spokane, Wash., ran in the $25 range.

The course is so good that it has drawn a number of celebrities to play it, including Dennis Franz (NYPD Blue), talk show host Maury Povich, former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, Hall of Fame baseball player Joe Morgan, NBA Hall of Fame member Bill Russell, Seattle Seahawk Cortez Kennedy, Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hansen, S.F. 49ers coach Dennis Erickson, erstwhile World Series perfect game pitcher Don Larsen, and many others.

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), brand-name entertainment, fine dining, plush lodging and a spectacular array of natural resources – including majestic snow-capped mountain views – 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.

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

Greens Fees: Peak season fees are $65 Mon-Thurs, $75 Fri-Sun and include golf carts.

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.

Contact:
Dan Shepherd
Buffalo Communications
703-761-1444 x 115
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com