A significant infrastructure change has elevated the already exceptional experience at Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho. The rerouting of U.S. Highway 95 away from the course's 18th fairway has eliminated the last remaining distraction from what many consider one of America's premier golf destinations.
The highway previously ran directly alongside the final hole and across tribal lands belonging to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, which owns and operates the resort. The new route now provides access to the casino resort from the west side, while the old highway has been deeded back to the tribe.
For a course that has collected 35 awards in just five years of operation, the highway's proximity represented the only minor flaw in an otherwise flawless golfing experience. The road's presence was likened to placing incongruous elements next to a masterpiece—noticeable but not diminishing the underlying quality.
"Now that the road is gone it's clear how much more tranquil the 18th hole is and in line with the rest of the course and resort," said Tom Davidson, Circling Raven Director of Golf. "This is particularly gratifying as we continue to implement a comprehensive 'green program' here at the resort. The Coeur d'Alenes place great emphasis on caring for their land, and this helps ensure its legacy will be preserved for generations to come."
Designed by golf course architect Gene Bates, Circling Raven was crafted within a unique ecosystem blending wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands. The championship layout spans 620 acres across the Coeur d'Alene reservation, with only 100 acres representing cultivated ground.
Wildlife thrives throughout the property, with elk, deer, moose, and occasional black bears calling the area home. The course meanders through this natural habitat, providing golfers with an authentic wilderness experience just a scenic drive from Spokane, Washington.
The accolades continue to pile up for Circling Raven. Recent honors include recognition in GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play for 2008-09, designation as the No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America by Native American Casino Magazine, and ranking as the No. 4 casino course in the United States by Golf Digest.
Additional recognition has come from Golfweek Magazine, which included Circling Raven among America's top resort courses in 2008, while Zagat Survey featured it in their America's Top Golf Courses rankings for 2007-08. Fairways + Greens Magazine ranked it No. 9 in their "Signature 36: Top Resort Courses in the West" for 2007.
The PGA of America Northwest Section also honored the facility as Resort Merchandiser of the Year in 2008, recognizing excellence beyond the course itself.
Supporting facilities match the course's high standards. The 6,500-square-foot clubhouse houses the Twisted Earth Grill and full-service bar, along with complete locker room facilities for both men and women. The adjacent Stensgar Events Pavilion provides a full-service venue for weddings, tournaments, and corporate events.
Practice facilities cover 25 acres, with designated areas for wedge play, sand shots, and full-swing practice with all clubs. This comprehensive setup allows golfers to prepare thoroughly for their round on the championship layout.
The broader resort encompasses 202 hotel rooms, a 24-hour casino featuring 1,800 gaming machines, multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, and various other amenities. The casino offers both smoking and non-smoking gaming areas, off-track betting, and high-stakes bingo.
Set within the 345,000-acre Coeur d'Alene reservation that spans mountains, lakes, old-growth forests, and farmland, the resort sits at the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains. This dramatic setting provides the backdrop for what has become one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
With the highway distraction now eliminated, Circling Raven can focus on what it does best—providing an unparalleled golf experience in one of America's most beautiful natural settings.