Heralded Gene Bates designed course achieves highest-ever rating in this category
Worley, Idaho; October 14, 2026 – Circling Raven Golf Club garnered the No. 10 ranking in Golfweek’s just published “Top 50 Best U.S. Casino Courses, 2026,” improving seven places since last year’s annual compilation. Not only did Circling Raven climb into America’s top 10 it widened the gap between its next-closest casino course competitor in the Northwest, which is 14 places behind.
To construct its rankings, hundreds of evaluators survey thousands of courses annually – grading each nominated course on Golfweek’s numerous standards of evaluation.
“This is a thrilling honor as discerning golfers know that casino courses are some of the best collectively in the country,” said Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel.
Named after a seminal tribal leader, Circling Raven has climbed higher in the annual rankings in five of the last six years. Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, it spreads out over more than 620 acres of ancestral homelands – roughly four times more acreage than the average course globally.
The Tribe’s mandate that Circling Raven provides a first-class experience and superb playing conditions combined with architect Gene Bates’ inspired vision created an unforgettable golf course. An array of diverse yet complementary holes wind through heaving, pristine Palouse Region countryside with no surrounding development. Players marvel about the inspiring golf experience offered at Circling Raven.
While the scintillating golf course is closed from November until next spring, the casino offers the next best thing: Circling Raven Golf Suites, which are scheduled to open Nov. 14. Players can comfortably play indoors on top-notch golf simulators that also offer other games. The Suites also have video gaming machines, food and beverages, televisions tuned into sporting events, and merchandise.
Located approximately 50 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG) and adjacent to the award-winning casino resort, Circling Raven measures 7,189 yards from the rear tees. A nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth restaurant and bar complement the outstanding golf course.
For more information, visit cdacasino.com or call 800-523-2464.
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About Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Since 1993, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has operated the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, located where sky greets Mt. Tch’mutpkwe, source of the St. Joe River, 25 miles from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The casino resort is among the largest employers in North Idaho employing between 850-1,100 depending on the season and contributing more than $37.5 million to education in the region since it opened. Additionally, millions more have gone in support of a wide range of public projects, emergency relief, charities, and programs in the Pacific Northwest. The property features 300 rooms and suites, eight distinct food and beverage venues, and entertainment including live music, comedy, fight nights, and high-stakes bingo. Three $1 million dollar winners have found their luck on 100,000 square feet of gaming space offering nearly 1,200 video gaming machines that paid out more than $80 million in jackpots last year. Additional amenities include a 15,000 square foot spa, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor and outdoor wedding locations and Circling Raven Golf Club.
