Idaho: Coeur d’Alene golf course donates $10,000 to veteran’s organization

Thursday, April 18, 2024 8:04 PM
Photo:  Shutterstock
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming

In honor of the start of Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s Circling Raven golf course’s 20th season Thursday, the operator is donating $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 Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Marketing Manager Yvette Matt in a statement. “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, who risk and sacrifice their all for others, including many tribal members, 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 memorials.

The donation is also in honor of Circling Raven Director of Golf Christopher Runyan, PGA, a retired Marine starting his second season with the 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,

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,” according to a release.

Circling Raven has been named the Best Public Course in Idaho, a top 20 U.S. Casino Course, a top American Resort Course, and a Best North Idaho Course.   It hosted the LPGA’s Epson Tour for three years (2021-23) and was designed golf course architect Gene Bates, ASGCA, who has been involved with more than 150 golf course designs projects.

“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.