Circling Raven opens 20th Season; donates $10k to Veterans’ group

Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho, opened its milestone 20th season this spring. The course has only gotten better since opening. It holds widespread critical esteem including Best Public Course in Idaho, Top 20 U.S. Casino Course, Top American Resort Courses, and Best North Idaho Course. It hosted the LPGA’s Epson Tour for three years (2021-23).

(Click here to view a video outlining the club’s accomplishments over the past two decades.)

“I’m extremely proud of our work at Circling Raven, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has steadfastly ensured that it will continue honoring its people and the land through excellent care and conditions,” said course architect Gene Bates, who has designed award-winning courses from Florida to California.

The golf course is an amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and is owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. In honor of the milestone year, the tribe donated $10,000 to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, a non-profit organization supporting U.S. military veterans.

Inland Northwest Honor Flight is a regional hub of a national organization that transports eastern Washington and northern Idaho war veterans to Washington D.C.; to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifices.

The donation is also in honor of Circling Raven Director of Golf, Christopher Runyan, PGA, a retired Marine who is entering his second season leading the nationally acclaimed golf club.

“Experiencing the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s support for veterans and the difference it makes means everything,” said Runyan, a Spokane native and 2020 PGA of America Patriot Award honoree who has positively impacted the lives of thousands of veterans – including himself – through golf.

The Patriot Award is given to a PGA Member who “personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.”

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has been represented in every major U.S. conflict since World War II. They landed on the shores of Normandy, and served in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A memorial sits at the head of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in memory of Shitsu’umsh Warriors of the past and present.

For more information, visit cdacasino.com/golf or call 800-523-2464.