(Worley, Idaho; October 6, 2022) – In real estate, the cliché regarding a formula for success is “Location. Location. Location.” For golf courses it is “Weather. Weather. Weather.”
Bad weather means fewer golfers. And while bad weather is never good for golf courses, experiencing it during the early spring or fall “shoulder seasons” is particularly challenging as those are times when, with warm, dry conditions, courses can surpass budget forecasts if Mother Nature obliges.
Golf operators in the Inland Northwest were hammered by incredibly slow spring business this season due to nasty weather, making Circling Raven’s rebound and overall performance extremely impressive.
The acclaimed golf club will finish up nearly 10% year over year, thanks in part to increased tournament play and merchandise sales. It accomplished this while managing a robust slate of programs for juniors, couples, and Advantage and Player Development Card Members, and hosting a professional women’s golf tournament, providing stellar customer service, and garnering best-in-kind awards across multiple categories.
“It wasn’t easy, but that makes it all the more gratifying,” said David VonBrethorst, Circling Raven head golf professional. “It took the staff pulling together to overcome the early setback with hard, smart work. It was a true team effort.”
The golf club, an amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s casino resort, staged its second Circling Raven Championship presented by KXLY News 4, to rave reviews in late August. More than 100 of the world’s best women players – many of whom lavished praise on the course for its design, idyllic setting, and pristine turf conditions – competed for shares of the $200,000 prize purse and a leg up in their season-long quest to earn membership to the LPGA for next season (based on season-long, cumulative prize winnings).
“As always, our goal is to be a first-class golf club and amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel,” said Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Tribe member and an avid golfer. “To accomplish this despite inflation, poor spring weather, and the ongoing staffing challenge that all businesses are facing since the pandemic, is testament to our hard-working team and a superb golf operation and course.”
There’s good news for area golfers – Circling Raven won’t close until Oct. 30, barring unforeseen weather circumstances, and new, value-infused rates commence this week. To wit:
Oct. 6-16
- Single 18-hole rounds Monday through Thursday start at $89, $99 Friday through Sunday
- Stay-and-play packages start at $262 Monday-Thursday, $303 Friday through Sunday
Oct. 17-30
- Single 18-hole rounds on Monday-Sunday start at $55
- Stay-and-play packages start at $209 Monday-Thursday, $235 Friday through Sunday
Visit www.cdacasino.com/golf for more information on golf and other resort options.
