Circling Raven Named No. 1 Public Golf Course in Idaho by GOLF Magazine By Brian Weis

Circling Raven Named No. 1 Public Golf Course in Idaho by GOLF Magazine

GOLF Magazine's 2024-25 Ranking Places Coeur d'Alene Casino's Championship Course at the Top Among Idaho's Public Access Venues

By Brian Weis

The ratings are in and expert panelists for GOLF Magazine (golf.com) rank Circling Raven Golf Club as Idaho's top public course. The best-in-kind accolade comes via the recently released "Best Golf Courses by State, 2024-25" compilation. Of the five Idaho courses cited for this distinction, Circling Raven was the only public-access venue to be included.

As part of GOLF's rigorous ratings process, its cadre of 100-plus expert panelists identified the best golf courses in every state. According to GOLF, "The key to the process is the experience and expertise of our panel. Hailing from 15 nations and all the worldwide golf meccas, each of our 127 handpicked panelists has a keen eye for architecture, both regionally and globally. Many of our panelists have played more than 1,000 courses in 20-plus countries, some over 2,000. Their handicaps range from +5 to 15."

GOLF's choice of Circling Raven means that the Gene Bates-designed course holds the No. 1 public course distinction in the game's top three U.S. golf publications (GOLF, Golfweek, Golf Digest).

"We work tirelessly to ensure that Circling Raven is an exceptional amenity of Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel, and we are constantly enhancing the course and golf club," said resort CEO Laura Penney, MBA. "This honor from GOLF Magazine reinforces that our efforts to present a premier golf club and experience to our guests are on point, something we are committed to maintaining."

Like the casino resort, the championship golf course is owned by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Located in the lush, scenic Idaho panhandle, Circling Raven is ingeniously routed across 620 stunning acres of Palouse Region terrain. Named for a seminal tribal chief, the course sits amid woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife, including eagles and moose. Nature and reverence for the land are essential to the course and Tribal custom.
Located approximately 55 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG), Circling Raven measures 7,189 yards from the rear tees. Many who play Circling Raven, which includes a nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth restaurant with bar, claim it as an immediate member of their all-time best golf experiences.

For more information about Circling Raven and Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel, including stay-and-play packages, value-laden Raven Cards, and instructional programs, visit www.cdacasino.com or 800-523-2464.

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Revised: 05/10/2025 - Article Viewed 1,172 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"