Acclaimed Course is an Amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and a Member of the Idaho Golf Trail’s Northern Loop
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club – the award-winning amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel in the Idaho panhandle near Spokane – today announces legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus teed it up at Circling Raven Golf Club, becoming the latest celebrity to seek out Circling Raven
Butkus was born in Chicago, Illinois, December 9, 1942. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he was a two-time All-American linebacker. A first round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, Dick played for them from 1965-1973, and was named All-Pro seven times. Many football gurus consider Butkus the finest line backer in the history of football.
"I can’t compare Circling Raven to any other course. By its expanse alone (620 acres), it is set apart from almost anything I’ve seen," Butkus said. "It offers great conditions and many different hole styles, but I most like the solitude. It’s rare to see so much natural beauty and so many great holes in one place – and not a house or condo in sight.".
Interestingly, the man known for his fierce competitive nature and even fiercer play on the football field was charming while here. Butkus came to Circling Raven in high spirits, mingling with staff and locals as if a regular. He even joined play as a guest in the men’s club championship, although only entering side bets in the skins game. A 16-handicapper, he won two net skins on the day.
Butkus is no stranger to Circling Raven, having made it an annual road trip destination. He and his wife drove to north Idaho from their home in Malibu.
"This is a magnificent golf course and I love coming up here," Butkus said.
Butkus rose to the occasion at Circling Raven. He fired an 83 from the white tees and an 86 from the blues, both well under his 16 handicap.
Butkus joins a growing list of celebrities who have played and raved about the spectacular Gene Bates designed course. They include movie star Samuel L. Jackson, Dennis Franz (former NYPD Blue star), erstwhile motorcycle daredevil Evel Kneivel, PGA Tour star Rich Beem who holds the course record (65), Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim, NBA Hall of Fame point guard John Stockton, Hall of Fame slugger and Idaho native Harmon Killebrew, Super Bowl MVP and former Redskins QB Mark Rypien, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan, former NY Yankee and World Series perfect game pitcher Don Larsen, and many others
"We’re very gratified that celebrity golfers continue to seek out Circling Raven to play because these people have played at many of the very best golf clubs in the world," says interim Director of Golf Steve Caruso. "Mr. Butkus’s comments are a tribute to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which owns Circling Raven and has supported its excellence from its conception, and our staff, particularly Superintendent Brian Woster who keeps the course in superb condition."
Recent honors bestowed upon Circling Raven include:
Golf Digest Magazine’s "Top-40 Casino Courses" (No. 4)
Golf Magazine’s "Top 100 You Can Play – Courses to Watch for 2008"
Zagat Survey "America’s Top Golf Courses"
Golfweek Magazine’s "Best 21 Casino Courses in the U.S."
Fairways + Greens Magazine’s "Best Resort Courses in the American West"
PGA of America Northwest Section Golf Shop "Merchandiser of the Year"
Golfweek Magazine’s "Best Resort Golf Courses in the U.S."
Service Excellence Award by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chapter of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel 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
