Circling Raven Revels In Accolades
One could make a good argument that the best golf course development underway in the United States is in Indian Country. It’s happening everywhere, from coast to coast. One could make an even better argument that Indian Country’s best golf course is Worley Idaho’s Circling Raven. Accolades include “Top 10 Best New?” “No. 1 Tribal Course in the U.S.?” and “Top 100 Courses You Can Play?” Not bad, right?
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has created one example after another of grand success and unique enterprising. Circling Raven, rolling and winding among 620 acres of serene wetlands, grasslands and woodlands, is the latest jewel in the crown and it’s a maximum challenge for the best of players. With a course rating of 74.9 and the slope at 140, it can bring the biggest of egos down to earth.
At the same time, Circling Raven’s five sets of tees offer a welcome reprieve to players of all ages and all talent levels. No, this course won’t break your heart. It will, however, steal it.
The Gene Bates design, only five years in play, is already bringing players from all over the country and, for that matter, from around the world. Movie stars, sports icons and even PGA Tour players seek tee times, right next to the local who doesn’t so much as blink at the reasonable greens fees which run $65.00 to $95.00 dollars.
“The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is committed to providing great golf and first cabin customer service,” says Circling Raven Director of Golf Tom Davidson. “The tribe is equally committed to making it an experience that the regular player can afford, and do so more than a few times. The demand is considerable, but the pace of play remains comfortable, with tee times spaced at every 10 minutes.”
Since opening in August of 2003, Circling Raven can claim a list of accolades that likely exceeds that of any golf course ever built in Idaho. But, more importantly to the player, it offers an experience that is seldom matched anywhere.
You won’t see a real estate development over a wall on the right side of a fairway. You won’t see a condo. You won’t even see a man-made fountain or waterfall. You will see what Mother Nature laid out across this achingly beautiful stretch of Idaho ground and the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation. On the back side, the only hole you’ll see is the one you’re playing. The gallery is likely to include a Great Blue Heron, a doe and fawn, or even the occasional moose, which we recommend that you allow play through.
One of your great challenges here is to finish. No, not the game, but the course. It is a challenge because the experience grows on you with every hole, whether you’ve been here or not. This is a round you don’t want to finish; don’t want to end. For more information, please visit www.circlingraven.com or call 1-800-523-2464.
