Circling Raven Golf Shop Sets Record Merchandise Sales in 2021

(Worley, Idaho; October 7, 2021) – Circling Raven Golf Club has soared for years, annually ranking among the best courses in the country, steadfastly providing guests with first-class conditions, superb customer service, and a well-run operation that inspires repeat business. Ironically, the pandemic caused Circling Raven to increasingly surge – players flocked to the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort amenity to relish the inherent social distancing provided by the game and a vast layout that unfurls across 620 acres of Palouse Region terrain.

The superlative components and best practices have resulted in increased rounds played, revenue earned, and enhanced best-in-kind critical ratings. The latest achievement comes from the Golf Shop at the acclaimed property – it topped $1 million in retail sales this season, with a few weeks remaining.

Golf shops are found ubiquitously at playing venues everywhere. But few are as accomplished as Circling Raven’s. It has twice been named Merchandiser of the Year (Resort Category) by the PGA of America. And it is renowned for the depth of merchandise offered – from golf club sets and apparel (golf and non-golf) to Native American themed items (the property is owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe) and appealing displays. Nonetheless, topping $1 million in sales is uncharted territory.

“The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has steadfastly been committed to providing our guests with a diverse and appealing array of retail offerings,” said Director of Golf Dave Christenson, PGA. “We could not have achieved this result without that support.”

Christenson teamed at Circling Raven with his wife, Jennifer, who helps select merchandise for sale and designs retail displays.

This latest milestone achieved continues a multi-year trend that was initiated in 2018 when the property invested in a re-invigoration program that has seen the golf club rise in virtually every tangible measurement, not the least of which is its best-of ratings. It’s the No. 1 rated public course in Idaho (sources: Golf Digest and Golfweek) and ranked No. 19 nationally among casino courses by Golfweek.

“When we began our golf brand investments three years ago, our goal was to elevate the club in every way,” said Laura Penney, MBA, CDA Casino CEO. “We are extremely pleased to see our vision and investment pay dividends, and we are meeting our mandate to offer visitors and guests appealing amenities that abide by the Tribe’s mission to operate successful enterprises that honor our heritage and values.”

Designed by Gene Bates, Circling Raven hosted the Symetra “Road to the LPGA” Tour August 23-29, 2021. This was the first of a three-year partnership with the professional women’s tournament. Named the Circling Raven Championship presented by KXLY News 4 Now, the event is another example of several investments the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and the Tribe have undertaken.

In addition to the “pure golf” that Circling Raven is known for thanks to its enormous size – more than four times the average number of acres allocated to golf course layouts worldwide – Head Golf Professional David Vonbrethorst has designed an array of programs that have resonated with people. These include competitive events, social events, couples’ events, equipment demo days, instructional programs, and more.

Contributing to Circling Raven’s record season is the Advantage Card, which was launched in 2019 and has grown sales year over year since its inception. It maximizes perks for regular patrons. It rewards cardholders with complimentary rounds, free entry into an Advantage Cardholder tournaments, discounts off the lowest greens fee for each round, supervised practice on the range or clinics with Circling Raven pros, and exclusive benefits throughout the year. 

Visit www.cdacasino.com/golf for more information on golf and other resort options.

About Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Circling Raven is in the scenic Idaho panhandle approximately 55 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG). Measuring 7,189 yards from the rear tees, the 18-hole layout sprawls magnificently through 620 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and Palouse grasses. Its gleaming white sand bunkers are large and strategically placed and its hole variety ingenious. The course annually hosts the Circling Raven Championship, a Symetra “Road to the LPGA” Tour event.

Other Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel amenities and activities include the full-service Spa Ssakwa’q’n (pronounced Sock-wock-en); 300 hotel rooms; bars, restaurants, lounges, and eateries; cultural immersion options; and more. The casino completed a $15 million renovation of its gaming floor and Events Center in 2019. Circling Raven has garnered numerous best-in-kind honors since opening, including being rated a Top 100 Resort Course, Best in State, and a Top U.S. Casino Course. Its golf shop has won national and regional awards for its excellence and its variety of products, displays, and performance.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Shepherd, danshepherdpr@gmail.com, 703-403-5317

Yvette Matt, ymatt@cdacasino.com, 208-500-9989