Latest of Many Best-of Accolades Garnered by Golf-Casino Resort in Scenic Idaho Panhandle
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club, the award-winning Gene Bates layout owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in the scenic Panhandle of Northern Idaho, has been named to the ZAGAT Survey listing of "America’s Top Golf Courses" for 2006/07.
In addition to being named to this prestigious listing, Circling Raven was also honored by the ZAGAT Survey as "best of" in these categories:
Environmentally Friendly
Par-3 Holes
Pace of Play
Scenic
Practice facilities
Resort
Among the most thorough rating guides in all of golf, ZAGAT covers more than 1,000 of the best courses in the United States. Courses in the guide are rated based on the responses of nearly 6,000 reviewers who play more than 552,000 rounds annually. Strength of layout, value, overall quality, facility and service standards are taken into consideration.
"Circling Raven and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel are extremely gratified by the ZAGAT Survey acclaim," says Circling Raven Director of Golf Dave Christenson. "The publication’s objectivity and reputation are legendary."
Being named to the ZAGAT Survey is the latest in a long line of distinctions garnered by Circling Raven, which enjoyed its first full season in 2004. Most recently, the course was rated a "best-of" property by Golf, Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines.
Convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and Circling Raven 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.
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 views – define the resort.
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
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.
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: Peak season fees are $69 Mon-Thurs, $79 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
703.891.3320
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com