As Northern Idaho golf clubs typically go through a dormant winter, Circling Raven at Coeur d’Alene Casino has done anything but sleepily this offseason, appointing a new Director of Golf, winning a new “best-in-kind” accolade, and revamping key operational components.
Christopher Runyan, PGA, Circling Raven’s new Director of Golf
As Circling Raven’s new Director of Golf, Christopher Runyan, PGA, said that each season offers the opportunity to build upon the previous one. As our guests have come to appreciate, we will provide excellent course conditions, multifaceted programs, first-class customer service, and one of the best golf experiences in North America.
Runyan (a U.S. Marine Veteran) joins the golf club helm with a resume filled with distinctions, including:
- 2021 Golf Digest “Best in State” Golf Coach
- 2020 PGA of America, National Patriot Award Recipient
- 2019, 2018, 2013-16 Pacific NW PGA Section Patriot Award Recipient
- 2019 Golf Digest “Best in State” Golf Coach
In addition, he serves on leading golf committees, including the PGA National Special Awards Committee (2022-2023) and the PGA National HOPE Committee (2023-2024).
Since opening in 2003, Circling Raven has earned dozens of honors ranging from “Best Casino Course in America” to “Top 100 U.S. Resort Course” by multiple national media outlets.
Earlier this month, GolfPass and its annual “Golfers’ Choice” lists recognized Circling Raven as No. 1 Public Golf Course in Idaho.
Since 1993, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has operated the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and Circling Raven Golf Course, located where sky greets Mt. Tch’mutpkwe, source of the St. Joe River, 25 miles from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The golf course is a masterpiece of Gene Bates’ design, with 18 holes traversing 620 acres of Palouse Region scenery. Trees, wetlands, and wildlife such as eagles and moose glamorize the idyllic landscape.
Every summer, the Circling Raven Championship, presented by KXLY News 4 Now (an Epson “#Road2LPGA” Tour event), takes place at the course – this year, featuring 132 talented female professionals striving for their share of the $225,000 purse on August 21-27.
For more information about Circling Raven, including stay-and-play packages and booking online, visit cdacasino.com
