Circling Raven Soars; Business Exceeds 2018 Performance with Renewed Investment, Strategic Leadership
(Worley, Idaho;) – Circling Raven Golf Club – the No. 1-rated public course in Idaho and amenity of Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel – invested in people, promotions, and proactivity going into 2019, and the aggressive strategy is working, judging by its business performance this year across multiple categories.
To wit:
• Golf rounds played – 20 percent higher in June 2019 compared to June 2018, and a 10% increase Year to Date (YTD) over the same period in 2018
• Golf shop retail sales – 32% higher this June than last, and 23% increase YTD over last year
• Total revenue has risen 8% YTD over last year
One of the driving factors in the business success thus far in 2019 is David Christenson, PGA, Circling Raven’s Director of Golf. Christenson opened the course and spent several years guiding it to national acclaim in tandem with his resort and golf club colleagues before moving to other positions, including at Gamble Sands in Washington, which he helped open to great acclaim. He returned to Circling Raven this past offseason, and he’s brought focused direction, best-practices clarity, and expert business acumen.
Most importantly, he has a strong team around him, as well Resort and Tribal leaders who are investing robustly in the golf asset, which is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its first full season (2004) this year.
“All credit goes to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for understanding the great value and high quality of Circling Raven, and the substantial return on investment that comes from investing in a golf amenity that has earned renown as one of the finest golf clubs in North America,” said Christenson, who earned Merchandiser of the Year honors from the PGA of America in the Resort Category during his original tenure at Circling Raven.
Value is a Circling Raven mainstay, as evidenced by its peak season rates (through Oct. 6), which top out at $99 on weekends, $89 on weekdays, and include 18 holes, golf cart with GPS, and range balls for use at the 25-acre practice facility. Circling Raven stay-and-play package prices start at $243 and include golf for two people and one night’s stay. The course doesn’t charge tax on its playing rates, food and beverage, or golf shop merchandise.
“Our vision at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel was to build a first-rate property, one that provides our visitors and guests with an array of values and options, and the Tribe and its members with a prosperous business which enhances their quality of life,” said Laura Stensgar, Director of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs.
Designed by Gene Bates, the golf course has been offering a variety of anniversary specials all season and will continue to do so. To keep apprised of upcoming events and offers, visit www.cdacasino.com/golf.
The esteemed course is such an exceptional value that it ranked No. 17 in Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses Re-Ranked by Price.”
Book your round by calling 1.800.523.2464 or online at Circling Raven’s website. Or consider a stay-and-play package, an ideal way to enjoy Circling Raven’s extraordinary setting on 620 acres by day, the amenity rich Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel afterward.
About Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Circling Raven is in the scenic Idaho panhandle approximately 55 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG). Measuring 7,189 yards from the rear tees, the 18-hole layout sprawls magnificently through 620 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and Palouse grasses. Its gleaming white sand bunkers are large and strategically placed and its hole variety ingenious.
Other Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel amenities and activities include the full-service Spa Ssakwa’q’n (pronounced Sock-wock-en); 300 hotel rooms; bars, restaurants, lounges, and eateries; cultural immersion options; and more. The casino just completed its $15 million renovation of its gaming floor and Events Center. Circling Raven has garnered numerous best-in-kind honors since opening, including being rated a Top 100 Resort Course, Best in State, and a Top U.S. Casino Course. Its golf shop has won national and regional awards for its excellence and its variety of products, displays, and performance.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Shepherd, DSPR, dtshep11@gmail.com, 703.403.5317
Laura Stensgar, lstensgar@cdacasino.com, 208-661-0377
