Donates $10K to non-profit Inland NW Veterans’ group
WORLEY, Idaho – Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel announces that the golf club’s milestone 20th season has begun, with the peerless Circling Raven now open for play. To express its gratitude and appreciation, it has donated $10,000 to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, a non-profit organization supporting U.S. military veterans.
“We gladly celebrate a new season beginning at Circling Raven by supporting Inland Northwest Honor Flight,” said Yvette Matt, MBA, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Marketing Manager.
“The golf club’s success comes from our people’s essence – to welcome, serve, and give to others, and to care for the earth as it cares for us. Supporting veterans, including many tribal members, people who risk and sacrifice their all for others, aligns with our beliefs.”
Inland Northwest Honor Flight is a regional hub of a national organization that transports eastern Washington and northern Idaho war veterans to Washington D.C.; to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifices.
The donation is also in honor of Circling Raven Director of Golf, Christopher Runyan, PGA, a retired Marine who is entering his second season leading the nationally acclaimed golf club.
“Experiencing the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s support for veterans and the difference it makes means everything,” said Runyan, a Spokane native and 2020 PGA of America Patriot Award honoree who has positively impacted the lives of thousands of veterans – including himself – through golf.
The Patriot Award is given to a PGA Member who “personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.”
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has been represented in every major U.S. conflict since World War II. They landed on the shores of Normandy, and served in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A memorial sits at the head of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in memory of Shitsu’umsh Warriors of the past and present.
Not to be lost is the golf club having launched its 20th Anniversary season. The course has only gotten better since opening. It holds widespread critical esteem including Best Public Course in Idaho, Top 20 U.S. Casino Course, Top American Resort Courses, and Best North Idaho Course.
It hosted the LPGA’s Epson Tour for three years (2021-23) through which top women golf professionals from around the world unanimously praised the course and its design, the masterpiece of golf course architect Gene Bates, ASGCA.
Bates has been involved with more than 150 design projects and earned the admiration of peers, including Jack Nicklaus, golfers, media, and golf architecture buffs. His ingenious holes and course routing at Circling Raven are extolled for their natural contours that move brilliantly through 620 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and tumbling Palouse terrain.
“I’m extremely proud of our work at Circling Raven, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has steadfastly ensured that it will continue honoring its people and the land through excellent care and conditions,” said Bates, who has designed award-winning courses from Florida to California.
Circling Raven’s awards won since opening testify to its high quality and the value it provides to its guests. The Advantage and Player Development cards are laden with so many benefits that they virtually pay for themselves.
For more information, visit www.cdacasino.com/golf
