Nationally acclaimed amenity of Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel garners prestigious honor
(WORLEY, ID) – The PGA of America has announced that Circling Raven Director of Golf Tom Davidson has been named 2010 PGA “Merchandiser of the Year” for resort facilities.
Circling Raven, a tribally owned and operated amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in the Idaho panhandle near Spokane (WA), received the PGA Northwest Section “Merchandiser of the Year” Award four times in the last six years. Today’s honor marks the first time a PGA Professional from the Pacific Northwest has been named PGA “Merchandiser of the Year” nationally since the award was established in 1978.
The Merchandiser of the Year Award was created in order to recognize PGA Professionals who excel as businesspersons/merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA criteria are demanding, focusing on growing and servicing well the customer base, shop displays, financial details, ongoing training for staff, and many other mission critical components.
“Our success starts with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and its great leadership, support and commitment to excellence,” said Davidson, 47. “We are honored to earn this award as it is a tribute to all members of our team at Circling Raven and the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel.”
Davidson and Circling Raven will be recognized Jan. 27, 2011, during the 58th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
“Our 2010 national award winners reflect the best values and qualities of our Association,” said PGA of America President Jim Remy. “Our recipients have made an impact among their Section peers, their respective communities and influenced others throughout the country. They have inspired both juniors and young professionals, which is a rite of passage in our profession. By their hard work, we are proud to declare that PGA Professionals are experts in the game and the business of golf.”
Circling Raven was designed by renowned architect Gene Bates and has collected more than 45 “Best-Of” rankings since opening in 2003, including:
“Top 100 Courses You Can Play” in the U.S. (No. 92 out of roughly 13,500 U.S. public access courses) – GOLF Magazine, 2010-11
No. 1 in Idaho in Golfweek’s ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ state-by-state rankings, 2009
“America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” (No. 61) – Golf Digest, 2009-10
America’s Top Golf Courses – Zagat Survey 2009-10 rankings
No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America – Native American Casino Magazine
Top Resort Courses in the West – Fairways + Greens Magazine
Service Excellence Award by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chapter of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor
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.
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 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.
To book tee times 24 hours a day call 1-800-523-2464. All rates include 18 holes of golf, cart, GPS, and use of 25-acre practice facility. Replays (same day) are $45. For complete price and playing options visit www.circlingraven.com.
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.
Contact:
Gary Trask, 978.228.0314
Buffalo Communications
gtrask@billycaspergolf.com
Dan Shepherd, 703.891.3320
Buffalo Communications
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
