Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Amenity in Idaho Panhandle is Enjoying Acclaim from Golf Magazine (Sept. 2006), which Named it a ‘Rising Star’ and Forecasts it for Top 100 Courses List
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club – the sparkling amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel in the scenic Idaho Panhandle – today announces that it will host the Northwest PGA Professional Championship next week at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s Circling Raven Golf Club.
The field of nearly 100 players is the largest in several years and the championship begins with a pro am on Monday, Aug. 21. The pros will play 54 holes over the following three days, each seeking a share of the $50,500 purse. The winner takes home $5,000. The top seven finishers qualify for the National PGA Professional Championship next June at Crosswater Golf Club in Sunriver, Oregon.
"The people at Circling Raven have done a great job preparing the course," said Jeff Ellison, Northwest PGA Executive Director and also a competitor in the event. "Circling Raven is not only challenging, it’s a lot of fun to play. It’s a perfect golf course for this event."
The PGA Northwest Section is determining tee and pin placements for the championship. At its full 7,189 yards, Circling Raven is rated at 74.9 with a 140 slope.
"We’ll probably play it at about 7,000 yards," Ellison said. "For the most part, we’ll play the back tees, but probably the blue tees on the par 3s. If the wind doesn’t blow, I think the winners can get to 10-under par."
Circling Raven’s par 3s are particularly challenging, all measure over 200 yards from the back tees.
In only its third full season, Circling Raven, which was designed by Gene Bates, has consistently accumulated "best-of" accolades from national publications. Most recently, in the September 2006 issue of Golf Magazine, the publication named Circling Raven a "rising star" and forecast it "would have a significant impact on our 2008 Top 100 Courses You Can Play rankings".
In addition to Golf Magazine, Circling Raven has garnered "best-in-kind" distinction from Golf Digest, Golfweek, Zagat Survey and Fairways & Greens magazine.
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.
Designed by Gene Bates, 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 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
