Circling Raven Caps Banner Season with National Best-of Ranking By Brian Weis

Circling Raven Caps Banner Season with National Best-of Ranking

Award-winning amenity of Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel shined in 21st season

By Brian Weis

Like fine wine, Circling Raven Golf Club continues to get better with time, a fact underscored by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe-owned course garnering awards and achieving 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 superb 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 Director of Golf Don Rasmussen. "Doing so keeps our guests coming back and entices new visitors to play Circling Raven."

Circling Raven is closed from November until next spring, but Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel offers the next best thing: the new Circling Raven Golf Suites that debuted in late 2024. Located in the casino, they're open for drop-in and league play with registration for leagues ongoing now. Stocked with golf simulators, they enable guests to enjoy playing golf and other games indoors year-round.

Located approximately 55 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG) adjacent to the award-winning casino resort, Circling Raven measures a brawny 7,189 yards from the rear tees. A nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth restaurant with bar complement the outstanding golf course.

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Revised: 10/20/2025 - Article Viewed 55 Times - View Course Profile

About: Brian Weis

While Brian Weis has made a name for himself in the golf world, he also appreciates the finer things in life—like a world-class spa treatment after a grueling 18 holes (or even after a casual round where the only thing working hard was his golf cart). A self-proclaimed "golfer who enjoys relaxation more than practice," Brian has developed a deep appreciation for massages that unknot his questionable swing mechanics, saunas that sweat out a few too many post-round drinks, and infinity pools with views as stunning as a well-manicured par 3.

Brian’s spa journey began as a reluctant tag-along to couples' massages and resort spa packages but quickly evolved into a full-fledged appreciation for hot stone therapy, deep-tissue recovery, and the occasional seaweed wrap (don’t knock it till you try it). Now, he seeks out the best spa retreats, thermal baths, and relaxation havens wherever his travels take him—whether it's a luxury golf resort with a five-star spa or a hidden wellness gem perfect for unwinding in style.

On SpaTrips.com, Brian shares his experiences, reviews, and insider tips on the best places to soothe sore muscles, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, and find true relaxation—whether you're a hardcore golfer in need of recovery or just someone looking for the ultimate escape. After all, what’s the point of a bucket list golf trip if you can’t top it off with an expert massage, a hot soak, and maybe even a ridiculously plush robe"