Page 10 - GG_17-4

Golf Destination

Coeur d’Alene Golf Resorts ~ Idaho Golf Mecca

Wes Bolyard

Most golfers know about the floating island green on the fourteenth hole at the
Coeur d’Alene Resort in Northwest Idaho but may not be acquainted with the other
holes on the course. They probably are also unaware that just 25 minutes to the
south sits another marvelous course called Circling Raven. Well, I’m happy to shed
some light on them!
“Comfort and convenience” defines
this golfing destination! Whether you
decide to stay at the Coeur d’Alene
Casino Resort in Worley toward the
southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene
or at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on the
northern end of the lake, you will find
excellent accommodations. Furthermore,
the Casino Resort’s Event Center hosts
concerts and sporting events like boxing
and MMA.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s vision for the Casino Resort has expanded over the last
20 plus years, and that evolving concept keeps improving their offerings. One of
their main attractions, the Circling Raven Golf Club, originally opened in 2003.
Golfweek’s third ranked Best Public Course in Idaho, Circling Raven certainly
lives up to its billing. Rambling over 620 acres of lushly forested meadows (with a
unique 25-acre practice area), this course encompasses rolling terrain, protected
wetlands, native grasses, great bunkering, and wonderful views. Course Architect
Gene Bates integrated the course with nature in a marvelous way. The rolling
terrain provides for several elevated tees where it’s exciting to watch the ball drop
down to the fairways and greens. Many delightful holes include a downhill par 3 at
number three, a split fairway on the fourth, a great par 3 over a ravine on number
seven, and a drivable par 4 on the eighth. You will want to play this remarkable and

challenging course more than once. About 100 yards
on the right side of the seventeenth fairway, look up
in the trees to see if you can find the American Bald
Eagle’s nest where George and Gracie make their
home. After your round, you can dine in the Twisted
Earth Grill, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner
in the clubhouse or on the deck.
A recent expansion enlarged the resort to 300 rooms,
six restaurants, more than 1,600 gaming machines,
and two shops. The Red Tail Bar and Grillʼs creed for
your dining experience enlists ambiance, atmosphere,
and availability. Another dining option, the Chinook
Steakhouse, serves prime beef, handmade pasta, and
pizza. All ingredients come from area farms, and they

8 GOLFGUIDEINC.COM