(Worley, IDAHO) – Few courses in America can match the acclaim Circling Raven Golf Club (www.circlingraven.com) has gotten for the experience found outside, on the golf course. Well, the experience inside at Circling Raven also ranks with the best in the U.S., so says the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America, recognition that goes both to the course and to Director of Golf Tom Davidson, PGA.
For the second straight year Circling Raven has been named PGA Northwest Section “Merchandiser of the Year”, and fourth time since its first full season (2004). This honor is determined by votes from PGA Section members, peers from golf course operations in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana.
The PGA criteria are demanding, focusing on everything from the customer base, to shop displays, to financial details and even ongoing training for the staff.
For those who have seen Circling Raven’s pro shop and encountered the staff there, the winning designation comes as no surprise. The pro shop and staff dazzle with exemplary service and a wide array of merchandise. In addition to many equipment and apparel options for men and women, memorabilia and gift choices are unique and outstanding.
This acumen and attention to detail not only won it the section top honor the last two years, but qualified it for National Merchandiser of the Year in 2009, which Circling Raven and Davidson hope to capture in 2010.
“Golfers and guests may find a pro shop and staff that equals ours, but I honestly don’t think they’ll find a better one anywhere in the country,” said Director of Golf Davidson. “Everyone here is part of that. Everyone here has earned a share of this honor.”
Designed by Golf Course Architect Gene Bates, Circling Raven is an amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel (www.cdacasino.com), tribally owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alenes.
For more information about the course and resort please call 1-800-523-2464.
About Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the casino 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.
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 Stensgar Pavilion adjacent to the course is a full service event venue, used for golf, business, wedding and other events.
The casino resort hotel adjacent to the course includes 202 rooms, casino, restaurants, and other amenities.
The Coeur d’Alene Casino offers 1,800 machines for play in smoking and non-smoking areas, off-track betting for horse and dog races, high-stakes bingo, entertainment and many other amenities. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week every day of the year. The resort is regularly voted the most popular casino in the Inland Northwest.
Recent honors bestowed on Circling Raven include:
* America’s Top Golf Courses – Zagat Survey 2009-10 (6th Edition)
* Top 100 U.S. Courses You Can Play 2008-09 – GOLF Magazine
* America’s Greatest Public Courses 2009-2010 – Golf Digest
* Top-40 Casino Courses in the U.S. (No. 4) – Golf Digest
* No. 1 in Idaho, America’s Best Courses You Can Play – Golfweek Magazine 2009
* No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America – Native American Casino Magazine 2008
* Resort Merchandiser of the Year – PGA of America Northwest Section 2008
* 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.cdacasino.com.
Contact:
Gary Trask
Buffalo Communications
978-228-0314
gtrask@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
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