Golf Inc. Magazine Honors David Christenson, Manager of Acclaimed Golf Club in Worley, Idaho which is an Amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
(WORLEY, Idaho) — The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel – the popular multi-amenity resort located in the scenic Idaho panhandle near Spokane – today announces that Circling Raven Golf Club Director of Golf David Christenson has been named one of the 20 "Most Admired Course Operators in the Nation."
The honor follows a nationwide poll conducted by Golf Inc. Magazine. The May edition of Golf Inc. will offer the full list, which reads like a who’s who of club professionals and golf directors from around the country. The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jim Dunlap, said the votes were tallied via mailed ballots and also email.
Circling Raven is owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and is a major addition to amenities at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel.
"While I am the one being singled out for this honor, it would not be possible without the vision and support of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe," says Christenson. "Everything the tribe has done has been to create something special, and that has allowed Circling Raven to flourish."
Christenson, who has served as Circling Raven’s Director of Golf since the course opened in August 2003, shares the honor with former Professional Golfers Association President Roger Warren of Kiawah Island (S.C.) Resort and Mark Gore of the famed Firestone Country Club in Ohio. Others on the list include Brad Williams of the TPC in Boston, Jack Hrad of St. James Plantation in North Carolina and Rick DeLoach of the Cowboys Club in Dallas.
Christenson, picked three times by his fellow professionals as the PGA’s Inland Empire Chapter Merchandiser of the Year, also received that honor from the PGA’s Northwest Section.
As one of the "Most Admired Course Operators in the Nation," Christenson was recognized by people in every aspect of the business, including fellow operators, merchandisers, club professionals and more.
"Those on the list are recognized for customer service, honors to the golf course, the way they deal with just about every aspect of the industry," says Golf Inc. Editor-in-Chief Dunlap.
Christenson sets high goals for himself and Circling Raven, a course acknowledged as offering one of the best golf experiences in North America. It has earned "best-of" honors from Zagat’s, Golf Digest, GOLF, Golfweek and Fairways + Greens magazines, as well as being named the No. 1 Indian casino golf course and the top public course in Idaho.
"I love Circling Raven," said Christenson. "It’s a surprise and an honor, but maybe it’s the passion that we all bring to the golf club and casino resort here. We’re all doing what we love to do and it shows."
Christenson is a Spokane native. He played varsity golf at Shadle Park High School and at Washington State University.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel, or to register for one of the above promotions, call 1-800-523-2464 or visit www.circlingraven.com.
About Circling Raven Golf Club
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and golf club 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.
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.
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.
Golf Course
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
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications
703-891-3320, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
