The award-winning amenity of the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort and Hotel along with Circling Raven Golf Club supports $1 million fundraising effort to fight cancer and wows participants.

With 44 states, golf courses and days behind them, Craig Forney and Bill Evans were dazzled on Day 45 at Circling Raven Golf Club, nearing the end of an epic journey across America and a $1 million fundraising effort to fight cancer.

Their “50 in 50” project is on schedule, with the twosome playing 50 courses, in 50 states, in 50 days. Circling Raven, Idaho’s vastly acclaimed resort/public access course, was the chosen stop in the Gem State before the two headed off to Alaska. Forney and Evans are partners in a club ownership in Atlanta, Ga., where Forney is also Director of Golf. Evans is both entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Together, they’ll raise funds to fight melanoma, prostate cancer and breast cancer. Donations can be made on their website at www.the50in50.com.

“It’s a long road and we’re getting close,” Evans said. “The experience has been unbelievable, but we believe in the cause and that’s our purpose. People all over the country have been exceptional in their support.”

They also found an exceptional experience at Circling Raven, both in the golf and the staff who welcomed them.

Circling Raven Golf Club - Photo by Randy Kirkpatrick

“We’ve been treated just like family here,” Evans said. “On top of that, Circling Raven is as fine a course as we’ve seen. It’s definitely among the top of the list.”

It was also the first trip for both men to Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Circling Raven met all expectations, and another perfect summer day capped a powerful golf experience.

“I’m deeply impressed with what the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has done here,” Forney said. “The course is definitely one of the top three we’ve seen and the greens are the best we’ve seen. I’m just as impressed with the beautiful use of the land and how the course plays over these grasslands. I love the rolling hills, wetlands and trees. On top of that, you have the best weather in the country. I’m definitely coming back.”

Forney said Circling Raven’s formidable par three’s were clearly the best he’d seen.

Over the coming five days, they’ll play in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, then finish their epic adventure with a single round in Hawaii. They’re accompanied by a documentary film crew. The documentary will be featured on the Golf Channel.

For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel call 1-800-523-2464 or visit www.circlingraven.com.

About Circling Raven Golf Club

Circling Raven is a member of the 10-course Idaho Golf Trail. Among others, Circling Raven holds the following honors:

~ Top 100 Courses You Can Play/One to Watch in 2008 – GOLF Magazine
~ Top U.S. Casino Resort Courses – Golfweek Magazine 2007 and 08
~ America's Top Golf Courses - Zagat Survey 2007-08 rankings
~ Top-40 Casino Courses (No. 4) – Golf Digest 2007
~ No. 9 Signature 36 – Fairways + Greens Magazine 2007
~ Top U.S. Casino Golf Courses – Golf For Women Magazine 2006
~ No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America - Native American Casinos Magazine 2006
~ Resort Merchandiser of the Year – Inland Empire Chapter of the PGA 04, 05, 06, 07
~ Idaho Golf Trail - Member since 2004
~ Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program - Member since 2004

Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the resort and golf club are nestled on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland. The resort spans the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains.

Tribal history also tells us that Circling Raven was a spiritually powerful leader, his name coming from his close relationship to the raven, who helped guide him on his journeys, warn him of danger and show him where to find fish and game.

Circling Raven was created amid a unique blend of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. At 7,189 yards, the par 72 championship layout meanders through 620 acres, only 100 representing cultivated ground. Wildlife is abundant, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional black bear. In fact, the opening was delayed due to damage on two greens by migrating elk.

Golf Course

~ Yardages: Gold, 7,189; Blue, 6,578; White, 6,108; Red, 5,389; Green, 4,708
~ Total Acreage: 670 (including practice area, practice green and clubhouse)
~ Amenities: The clubhouse is 6,500 square feet, including the Twisted Earth Grill and full service bar. Both locker rooms include showers and lockers. The practice facility covers 25 acres; separated into areas for wedges, sand play and all clubs in the bag. The resort adjacent to the course includes 202 hotel rooms, casino, events center, buffet, and restaurant, off track betting and conference/convention facilities.
~ L93 Bent Grass Greens
~ Bluegrass tees, fairways and rough
~ Golf Carts: Equipped with a Global Positioning System