While Industry was Flat, Players Continued to Flock to Award-Winning Course; Rounds Played, Sales Increase for the 14th Consecutive Month
(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 exceeded projected rounds played, merchandise sales and revenue for the 2005 season, which extended from April 1 through Oct. 23.
Circling Raven’s performance exceeded projections in:
Rounds played (by 12 percent)
Average rate per player
Merchandise sales (39 percent)
Total revenue (21 percent)
"Circling Raven’s numbers are particularly important for three reasons: 1) the industry is sluggish overall so it means we’ve got good programs in place, 2) we just concluded our second full season and many clubs experience a letdown after their first year when pent-up demand diminishes, and, 3) the golf club is an amenity for our Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel so lots of our golfers are also taking advantage of our stay-and-place packages, our casino and our other entertainment offerings," says Director of Golf Dave Christenson.
The large spike in merchandise sales were not surprising given the golf shop and Director of Golf Christenson were nominated as "Merchandiser of the Year" national honors by the PGA of America after they were named "Merchandiser of the Year" in the Northwest PGA Section.
These numbers continue a trend established last year, Circling Raven’s first full season, when it finished above projections in all categories.
GOLF, Golf Digest, Golfweek and Zagat Survey all bestowed "best-of" honors on Circling Raven in the past 12 months. Furthermore, golf course architect Gene Bates was recently named "Architect of the Year" by The BoardRoom Magazine in part for his success at Circling Raven.
Contributing to Circling Raven’s acclaim is the price point and value it affords players. Its peak playing fee in 2005 was $79 with GPS-equipped cart and full privileges on the top-line practice facility.
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 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.
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: 2005 peak season fees were $69 Mon-Thurs, $79 Fri-Sun includes cart and GPS.
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
Contact:
Dan Shepherd
Buffalo Communications
703-891-3320
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
