One of the best things about golf in the Mountain West is that when you tee it up, you’re not just in for a round. You’re in for an adventure.
Every hole has its story. Every bend, swale, bunker and box has a tale to tell—much of it dating back to the inception of the course itself.
You’ll find few better examples of such treasures than the native tribal-owned Circling Raven Golf Course, just south of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Long before it referenced a beautiful golf course, Circling Raven was a name to reckon with, and it lives on today in Coeur d’Alene tribal lore.
Tribal history 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.
No guarantees that you’ll get the same psycho-avian guidance to steer your ball flight away from the hazards, but it’s something to think about. (In my case, unfortunately, the bird in my head seldom caws. It often prefers to quack.)
The 7,189-yard, par-72 championship course is sensitively placed amid 620 rambling acres of lush forested meadows, grasslands and carefully preserved wetlands of the sun-blessed Coeur d'Alene recreation area.
Only 100 of those acres represent cultivated ground. As for the remainder, wildlife is abundant here, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional black bear. In fact, the opening was delayed due to damage on two greens by migrating elk. The cart paths stretch over seven miles.
One very unusual feature, although unnatural, is the Union Pacific rail line crossing the property. Trains pass slowly through about three times per week. Tunnels take golfers under the track twice and over it once.
The player’s experience is that of a links-style course. On the back nine, the only hole a golfer can see is the hole he or she is playing. Wetlands impact play on 13 holes, natural Palouse grasses complement the wetlands on 12 holes and a mix of Ponderosa Pines, Aspens, Cottonwoods and Birch blend into the scenery throughout. The blue grass fairways and bent grass greens are closely manicured, as would be expected at a premier resort golf course.
The players’ greatest challenges are “tees and threes,” meaning accurate driving to the fairways and careful management of the four par threes, all measuring over 200 yards from the back tees. White sand brought in from Emmet, Idaho fills 60 bunkers.
Circling Raven was conceived by famed golf course architect Gene Bates to blend with nature, not compete against it. All inclusive pricing includes: Carts, GPS yardage systems, 25 acres of practice facility and complimentary range balls. Circling Raven is also one of the few resorts that rent Cobra and Callaway club sets.
The casino’s 205-room hotel features an inviting indoor pool, Jacuzzi and a workout room. A new 12,500 square foot conference center can accommodate meetings and banquets for up to 1,000 people. Off Track Betting is available from all rooms. In addition, each room is equipped with televisions, coffee makers, hair dryers, and an ironing center. For guests traveling with children, day care is available upon request.
DETAILS
Location: Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation
Phone: 1-800-523-2464