Simply serene Circling Raven golf soothes the soul near Coeur d'Alene
Just a day's drive south of Calgary or a swing through Seattle by air, Idaho resort a top-flight host for golf fun
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Circling dates on your calendar for summer and fall golf getaways, Calgary?
On the map, you should circle Idaho?
And in particular, Circling Raven Golf Club, just a day’s drive south — or a flight to Spokane through Seattle — near breathtaking Coeur D’Alene.
It’s a road trip you won’t ever forget.
Circling Raven is Idaho’s No. 1 public course, as named by Golfweek Magazine 2023.
That honour’s been bestowed on the track 12 times since it opened in 2004.
And it’s been rated the No. 1 golf course in the state by GolfPass Members 2023.
But don’t take anyone else’s word for it.
Try it yourself …
Not just once, but at least twice and really three or four times in your visit just to soak in the incredible rhythm of the adventure.
Because Circling Raven boasts the kind of spirit that truly grabs your soul amid conditions that will keep you coming back for more.
“It’s always great to hear the players raving about how great the course conditions are,” said Kal Zaranec, GCSAA, Circling Raven superintendent. “It takes our whole team to achieve.”
Whatever Zaranec & Co. are doing, it’s working.
Even the Epson Tour is loving what they see and feel at the layout just outside Worley, Idaho. That circuit is set to celebrate a tour stop at Circling Raven — Aug. 25-27 — for the third-straight season.
“Leading up to the Circling Raven Championship, an Epson ‘Road to the LPGA’ Tour event, we work closely with the tournament officials and their agronomy team to ensure we are providing the best playing conditions for these future LPGA professional golfers to compete on,” continued Zaranec.
Owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and an amenity of its award-winning casino resort in the scenic Idaho panhandle, Circling Raven’s 18 holes are astoundingly routed across 620 stunning acres of Palouse Region terrain.
The course unfurls amid woodlands, wetlands and wildlife, including eagles and moose.
Simply serene.
And then there’s the magnificent accommodations.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is an ideal hub to use on golf trips to the area. The award-winning property has six restaurants and eateries, a 15,000-square-foot spa, shows, shops, and more. Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the casino has donated more than $33.5 million to educational organizations and initiatives in the state and region since opening.
“Circling Raven is named for one of our tribe’s most important chiefs who guided us through our most difficult times,” said Laura Penney, CEO of Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. “Our homelands mean everything to the tribe, so Circling Raven’s award is testament that we’re nurturing it respectfully and our honouring our ancestors, as well.
“We know there was a great opportunity to grow our casino resort and golf club businesses,” added Penney, herself an avid golfer and tribe member. “We just had to ensure that we made smart decisions and then did the necessary work to make them succeed. We look forward to building on our reinforced foundation.”
If you’ve already been, expect to see a few changes to both the casino and the 7,189-yard course when you return. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe invested millions in a casino resort renovation completed in 2019, and the layout — at the 10th tee — and practice facility underwent significant tweaks to further the golf experience.
To boot, Circling Raven may just boast the best clubhouse — in terms of merchandise — that you’ve ever seen.
COEUR D’ALENE GOLF & SPA RESORT
The course at Coeur d’Alene is simply can’t-miss on any tour of Idaho golf.
It’s amazing.
Even better is that the incredible floating island green and a unique front nine followed by a back nine that stretches out for added adventure makes for quite the complement to a round played at Circling Raven.
Where our host layout is like a tranquil walk in the country, Coeur d’Alene — just a half-hour north — is just plain fun.
Pair one with the other, and the challenges leave you feeling oh-so fulfilled in Idaho.
The iconic floating island green is certainly the centrepiece of Coeur d’Alene, a 6,803-yard breathtaking journey designed by Scott Miller.
The famous par-3 14th hole changes in length depending on the day, with an intricate, computer-controlled underwater cable system determining the yardage of the 15,000 square-foot flower-covered island. Your drive — and a mulligan, if necessary — is one of the most intimidating you’ll ever size up because the target floats brilliantly out in the water of magnificent Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Then you get to experience a ride to and from the island aboard an electric-powered shuttle boat dubbed ‘Putter’.
It’s not the only highlight, but it’s certainly the feature of an unforgettable round.
And don’t forget to book a spa session. Treat yourself to a top-shelf session at the world-class resort that completes your heavenly visit.
KALISPEL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
If you’ve got the time, take in Kalispel Golf & Country Club in Spokane, an hour to the northwest of Circling Raven.
It’s a peaceful round of parkland golf amid a lush layout covering 6,634 yards — definitely different than our rounds in Idaho but just as memorable.
Operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the renovated treat has a heap of history behind it. Founded in 1898 as the Spokane Country Club, it’s a scenic — but challenging — walk through the woods along the Little Spokane River.
It holds plenty of hazards, including bunkers aplenty and water on seven holes. But the test is terrific.
As is the 19th hole.
Make sure to have a coconut margarita — or two — to compliment whatever delicious dish you devour in the 1898 Public House at the course.
And go away feeling fabulous after a worthwhile trip south.
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