WORLEY, ID – Circling Raven Golf Club, owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, garnered multiple awards and achieved elevated business objectives this season, which concludes on Oct. 26.
On the awards front, Circling Raven most recently earned the No. 17 ranking in Golfweek’s just published “Top 50 Best U.S. Casino Courses, 2025.” The golf course has been in the nation’s top 20 casino venues for more than a decade. It was also named the No. 1 public course in Idaho by Golf, Golf Digest, and Golfweek.
“We value critical acclaim from media experts as it demonstrates Circling Raven’s credibility to people who haven’t played it yet,” said Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. “Ensuring that our amenities provide great satisfaction to our guests is a priority.”
Beyond honors, Circling Raven excelled with its business performance, guided by Director of Golf Don Rasmussen, PGA. Revenue increased nearly 10% overall. Women’s participation grew via the addition of a new league and clinics for them and the hiring of the club’s first woman golf professional – Katie Ochoa. Golf stay-and-play packages sold rose 43%, with 15% of stay-and-play players purchasing additional rounds during their visit.
Circling Raven is revered for its ingenious design by golf course architect Gene Bates and its course conditions overseen by Superintendent Kal Zaranec. On-course projects this year included a bunker renovation project, irrigation enhancements, and short-game facility upgrade.
“We strive to provide a first-class experience in all ways – on the course, in the clubhouse, at our restaurant, through our programs,” said Rasmussen. “Doing so keeps our guests coming back and entices new visitors to play Circling Raven.”
Although Circling Raven is closed from November until spring, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel now offers an alternative with the Circling Raven Golf Suites, which opened in late 2024. Located within the casino, the suites feature golf simulators for year-round indoor play and are available for both drop-in use and league participation, with league registration currently open.
