Circling Raven Golf Club Set to Open April 4; Coeur d’Alene Casino Amenity Unveils New Programs, Enhancements

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel will open Circling Raven Golf Club on April 4 (weather allowing), teeing up its 21^st season with several additions and upgrades. Director of Golf, Don Rasmussen, PGA, has set the bar high for the golf club that has been rated the No. 1 public-access course in Idaho continuously since opening. Recognized as a Golf Digest “Best Instructor” for Washington State from 2021 to 2024, he envisions Circling Raven guests feeling deep appreciation for their experience at the Coeur d’Alene Tribe-owned property.

“It’s not enough just to have an amazing golf course, we have to ensure they feel special when they visit Circling Raven, that everything is presented and performed with welcoming, best-in-class precision,” said Rasmussen.

Some of the enhancements that have been implemented this year to create the exceptional moments Rasmussen described include:  

• Bunker removals and restoration,
• Professional grade course conditions,
• Revamped menu at the club’s Twisted Earth bar and grill,
• Renovated on-course bathrooms,
• Brand-new cart fleet, and
• Reinforced staff training to ensure superlative customer service.

A survey by the National Golf Foundation found that the single most important consideration for customers of a golf facility is quality course conditions, before price, design, and other elements. Fortunately for players at Circling Raven, the club’s renowned course conditions are in great hands thanks to the leadership of Kal Zaranec, who attained a career milestone in earning his Class A membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America since last season. To achieve this distinction, Zaranec displayed a strong commitment to professional development through a mix of competency-based continuing education, work experience, golf-centric services, and environmental stewardship, according to the GCSAA. 

“It’s incredible to have the support of Don and the resort executives in understanding the value of continuing education and industry involvement,” said Zaranec. “We are always looking for ways to become more efficient in our daily operations, improve the golf course, and continue to grow our team professionally. Our guests can expect great playing conditions throughout the golf course again this season.”

Another new addition at Circling Raven is Katie Ochoa, PGA, the first woman golf pro in Circling Raven history.

“Katie is a former collegiate player and a talented golf instructor who brings a wealth of industry knowledge and passion to our team,” said Rasmussen. “She will oversee our golf shop operations and merchandising while also leading women’s clinics and a women’s league, supporting the fastest-growing demographic in the game.”

Ochoa has long had a special place emotionally for the tribe-owned property and is thrilled to come full circle, so to speak – her paternal grandmother was a Coeur d’Alene tribal member. “I heard all the stories about my grandma coming here when it was just a bingo hall,” she said. “My family developed a weekly outing at the casino, not just for gambling but to spend time together. Every time I hear the resort’s ‘Welcome Home’ greeting, it brings me back to those days.”

Circling Raven offers three seasonal segments which come with different playing rates (Early, Shoulder, and Peak) that can be viewed here (cdacasino.com/golf). The club’s Raven Card ($599) offers an array of perks and savings, including:

• One free round anytime in the season after 1:00pm ($219 value)*
• $50 off all green fees throughout the season after 1:00pm, including 9 holes
• Raven Card Tournament, limited entry ($219 value)
• Complimentary use of the 25-acre practice facility seven days a week*
• Free monthly golf clinic, June through September
• 15% off In-stock apparel (not already on sale)
• 10% off In-stock golf equipment (not already on sale)
• Exclusive benefits throughout the season

*Subject to availability

As a special, value-laden offer, the Raven Card is selling for $100 less ($499) until May 19, when it reverts to $599. The Raven Card pays for itself through the free rounds and discounted green fees throughout the season.

Both rounds and stay-and-play packages can be booked by calling 1-800-523-2464. Packages include golf for two and a one-night stay (double occupancy) at the award-winning resort.

Designed by golf course architect Gene Bates, Circling Raven has garnered multiple honors since opening, including in the categories of “Top Casino Courses in America,” “Best in State,” “Top 100 Resort Courses,” and “Pro Shop Merchandiser of the Year” to name a few.

For more information about the casino resort or golf club, visit www.cdacasino.com.

About Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel

Since 1993, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has operated the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, located where sky greets Mt. Tch’mutpkwe, source of the St. Joe River, 25 miles from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The casino resort is among the largest employers in North Idaho employing between 850-1,100 depending on the season and contributing more than $36 million to education in the region since it opened. Additionally, millions more have gone in support of a wide range of public projects, emergency relief, charities and programs in the Pacific Northwest. The award-winning property features 300 rooms and suites, seven distinct food and beverage venues and entertainment including live music and comedy as well as hands-on tours and experiences through the casino’s Cultural Tourism Program. Three $1-million-dollar winners have found their luck on 100,000 square feet of gaming space offering nearly 1,200 video gaming machines and high stakes bingo. Additional amenities include a 15,000 square foot spa, the largest in the region, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor and outdoor wedding locations, and Circling Raven Golf Club, the 18-hole, par-72 course that has hosted numerous top amateur and professional events. LIKE Coeur d’Alene Casino on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter. For more information about Coeur d’Alene Casino, visit www.cdacasino.com.