Coeur d’Alene Tribe Bestows Indian Names and Meaning to Golf Holes at Circling Raven Golf Club (Idaho Panhandle), its Award-Winning Amenity
Gene Bates-Designed, Tribe-Owned Layout is Routinely Rated Amongst the Best Course in North America by Multiple National and Select Leading Regional Magazines
(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club, an amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel, was always intended to be a shining monument for the Coeur d’Alene Indians – to their heritage, to the land, to the people.
The tribe felt so strongly that it wanted to create something special in its golf amenity that it dedicated more than 600 acres of its precious land to Circling Raven, which is nestled 45 minutes east of Spokane on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland.
With the tribe’s goal to build and operate a world class golf club and resort which honors its people by its success, quality and paying homage to the tribe’s heritage and culture, it has steadfastly thrown its support behind Circling Raven.
The Coeur d’Alenes are being repaid for this support in many ways.
Golf Course Architect Gene Bates routed a masterpiece, a fact which is confirmed annually by media consensus and bestowing Circling Raven with “best-of” honors nationally.
Course Superintendent Brian Woster oversees an always-well-conditioned layout and is leading Circling Raven toward its goal of achieving Audubon Sanctuary Program certification, status confirming a club’s compliance with environmentally sensitive maintenance practices and mandates.
Director of Golf David Christenson runs a well-appointed golf clubhouse which houses extensive golf and retail products and F&B options. He runs a customer-service driven team which has been honored by the Idaho Chamber of Commerce for its best practices and annually wins “Merchandiser of the Year” awards for quality, creativity, commitment and execution.
Now the Tribe is rededicating its mission to uphold its people and their ways, to include their language and legends, by giving Indian names and meaning to each of Circling Raven’s magnificent golf holes.
“The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is paying tribute to our people and the land by doing things like giving Indian names and meaning to Circling Raven’s golf holes,” says Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel CEO David Lasarte. “We want to celebrate our Tribe’s history and future and share some culture with our guests at the same time.”
Some examples include:
No.1: Railroad tracks run nearly parallel to the hole – chdlamalqw – “Gallops on the Logs”… That’s what the train does here, as described in the tribal language. It represents great power…and great change as you begin your experience with us.
No. 3: An elevated tee par-3 which looks down on the green which is set in an oasis of grasses – sq'a'q'i'ts'u'lmkhw – “Grassy”…The natural Palouse grasses adorn the hole in shades of green, amber and copper. They are for your eyes, not your golf ball.
No. 4: A split fairway par-4 – s'lpst'ulikhw – “Twisted Earth”… Just as Twisted Earth found his way home, you will find your way to the green on the high road or the low, each with its challenges.
No. 9: As challenging a par-4 as virtually any in the nation – qine' – “Grandmother”… She is the teacher, the lesson giver. Pay attention here, or the lesson is harsh.
No. 13: 253-yard, elevated tee par-3 over a long wetlands carry – t'ek'wilsh – “Medicine Man”… His life, like this hole, is difficult and secluded. He offers strength. It would be good to talk to him before you tee off.
No. 17: Scenic, challenging-beyond-its looks par-5 – smiyiw – “Coyote”… He is a trickster. Play him smart or he will tell on you.
No. 18: Par-4 closing hole which points toward the setting sun – Schitsu’umsh – “The Discovered People”... Now you have discovered us. The Raven will circle you forever, and we welcome you home.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel, call 1-800-523-2464 or visit www.circlingraven.com.
About Circling Raven Golf Club:
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and golf club are nestled on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland. The resort spans the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains.
Tribal history also tells us that Circling Raven was a spiritually powerful leader, his name coming from his close relationship to the raven, who helped guide him on his journeys, warn him of danger and show him where to find fish and game.
Circling Raven was created amid a unique blend of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. At 7,189 yards, the par 72 championship layout meanders through 620 acres, only 100 representing cultivated ground. Wildlife is abundant, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional black bear. In fact, the opening was delayed due to damage on two greens by migrating elk.
Golf Course:
