Accomplished Industry Veteran Now Leads Acclaimed Coeur d?Alene Indian Tribe-Owned Course
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club – the highly decorated amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel in the Idaho panhandle near Spokane – has selected Tom Davidson as Director of Golf.
Davidson, 44, a Class PGA of America Professional, was previously the General Manager at the Coeur d’Alene Golf Club, a public access course about 30 minutes from Circling Raven. He has been working in the industry for more than two decades.
“We had many qualified applicants from across the country, and we took our time, so we’re confident we selected an outstanding person to lead Circling Raven,” said Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Chief Executive Officer David LaSarte-Meeks. “Tom has a strong professional history and exemplary reputation. He has the personal and professional qualities we sought and he will ensure Circling Raven continues to be a first-rate amenity for our resort and a nationally honored golf course.”
Davidson’s responsibilities at Circling Raven will include supervising more than 30 employees, including pro shop, outside services and golf course maintenance.
“It’s extremely flattering to be chosen for this position and to have an opportunity to continue building on all that’s been accomplished at Circling Raven since it opened in 2003,” said Davidson. “I have great respect for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and what it has done to create and nurture this golf course. It’s an honor to join the Circling Raven team and I look forward to helping continue its growing national stature.”
A native of Utah, Davidson earned his bachelor’s degree at Utah State University where he was also a member of the varsity golf team. He and his wife, Pauline, have been married for 20 years and have three children, 14-year old Lauren, 11-year old Spencer and seven-year old Kamron. The family lives in Hayden.
About Circling Raven Golf Club
Circling Raven is a member of the 10-course Idaho Golf Trail. Among others, Circling Raven holds the following honors:
* Top 100 Courses You Can Play/One to Watch in 2008 – GOLF Magazine
* Top U.S. Casino Resort Courses – Golfweek Magazine 2007 and 08
* America’s Top Golf Courses – Zagat Survey 2007-08 rankings
* Top-40 Casino Courses (No. 4) – Golf Digest 2007
* No. 9 Signature 36 – Fairways + Greens Magazine 2007
* Top U.S. Casino Golf Courses – Golf For Women Magazine 2006
* No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America – Native American Casinos Magazine 2006
* Resort Merchandiser of the Year – Inland Empire Chapter of the PGA 04, 05, 06, 07
* Idaho Golf Trail – Member since 2004
• Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program – Member since 2004
Coeur d’Alene Tribe tribal history 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
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club (www.circlingraven.com) or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel call 1-800-523-2464.
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications, 703-891-3320, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
