(Worley, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club improved by 10 places from last year’s ranking of “Top 200 U.S. Resort Courses, 2024,” an annual compilation of America’s finest places to play that is published conjointly by Golfweek and USA TODAY.
The Gene Bates-designed layout climbed to No. 104 in this year’s list, which was recently unveiled. Underscoring the top-echelon quality of this accolade one need look no farther than other list members, an array of iconic and rising-star venues ranging from Pinehurst and Pebble Beach to Sand Valley.
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe (and named for a seminal tribal chief), Circling Raven gloriously unfurls over more than 600 acres of ancestral homelands – nearly five times more acreage than the average course globally.
“Circling Raven is an amenity of our Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, and we built it to provide guests and visitors to our property with a first-class leisure option, as with our spa, restaurants, and casino,” said Laura Penney, CEO. “It was imperative that we created something that simultaneously paid homage to tribal ancestors and honored the land while providing exceptional experiences for players.”
The only other nearby resort course included in the list is at Coeur d’Alene Resort, which finished No. 150 (it was ranked 147 last year).
A key ingredient in Circling Raven’s tasty mix includes the pristine terrain on which it winds through. The stunningly beautiful landscape includes no surrounding development. Golfers report being inspired and revitalized by the invigorating setting and experience.
Superb playing conditions are equally vital. That Circling Raven has achieved them – and consistently maintains first-class tees, fairways, and greens – was often and emphatically stated by several women professionals who competed in the Circling Raven Championship, an Epson “Road to the LPGA” Tour event played here each of the past three seasons.
Bates’ inspired vision for the property yielded an array of diverse yet complementary holes that are as memorable as they are scintillating.
Golfweek course raters clearly value the Tribe’s mission and its admirable execution at Circling Raven. Not only is it honored as a top U.S. resort course, but it rates No. 19 in the “Top 40 U.S. Casino Courses” and as the No. 1 public course in Idaho.
Golfweek’s travel editor reported the following about Circling Raven after a site visit:
“The earth seems to stretch out in all directions, with miles of yellow grasses stretching to the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, part of the Bitterroot Range of the Rockies. It’s a visual treat, crossing ridges between greens and tees to see the next hole framed in one of three distinct environments: woodlands, wetlands and Palouse – a geologic term involving wind-blown hills, moguls and fertile sandy soil.”
Located approximately 55 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG), Circling Raven measures 7,189 yards from the rear tees. A nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth Grill at the award-winning clubhouse provides superb food and beverages to slake the appetite of thirsty, hungry players.
For more information about Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, visit cdacasino.com, or call 800-532-2464.
About Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Since 1993, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has operated the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, located where sky greets Mt. Tch’mutpkwe, source of the St. Joe River, 25 miles from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The casino resort is among the largest employers in North Idaho employing between 850-1,100 depending on the season and contributing more than $33.5 million to education in the region since it opened. Additionally, millions more have gone in support of a wide range of public projects, emergency relief, charities, and programs in the Pacific Northwest. Named Tribal Destination of the Year in 2019 by AIANTA and winning the silver Distinguished Dozen award from Courier in 2019 and 2020, the property features 300 rooms and suites, seven distinct food and beverage venues and entertainment including live music and comedy as well as hands-on tours and experiences through the casino’s Cultural Tourism Program. Three million-dollar winners have found their luck on 100,000 square feet of gaming space offering nearly 1,200 video gaming machines and high stakes bingo. Additional amenities include a 15,000 square foot spa voted 1st for “Resort Spas that deliver the Ahh Factor” by Spatrips.com, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor and outdoor wedding locations and Circling Raven Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 course acclaimed as a “Top 100” course by every major golf publication in the U.S. LIKE Coeur d’Alene Casino on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter. For more information about Coeur d’Alene Casino and Circling Raven, visit www.cdacasino.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gary Trask, gary@danshepherdpr.com, 978-228-0314
Dan Shepherd, dan@danshepherd.com 703-403-5317
Yvette Matt, ymatt@cdacasino.com, 208-500-9989
