Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/80982
Circling Raven, just about a half-hour south of Coeur d'Alene, is owned by the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe. This course was part of a $30 million expansion project. This superb course plays to 7,189 yards from the tips and is spread out over a generous 400 acres. CIRCLING RAVEN DEFINES TOP QUALITY Adjacent to the course is the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel. Before or after your round, Twisted Earth Grill in the clubhouse specializes in generous sandwiches, soups, snacks and cocktails. Table dining is available inside or at the bar, or head out to the patio to enjoy the wetlands views. the day. There are 18 great holes here but it is the world renowned 14th hole, the world's only par 3 floating movable island green that every player is waiting for. Don't be intimidated by the 15,000 sq. ft. putting surface as it beckons, quietly floating from 110 to 185 yards off the lakeshore. Then board the Putter Boat shuttle, and enjoy the short ride over to what is hopefully a birdie putt. And remember, everything breaks towards the water. Less than an hour drive south from downtown Vancouver lies the 49th parallel, the Canada-U.S. border and some great golf. There are a number of crossing points: Peace Arch, the nearby truck border crossing, Aldergrove and Sumas near Abbotsford. Call the course to find out which crossing will be the quickest for you. And, also make sure that everyone in your foursome brings a passport or acceptable I.D. Built in 1995, North Bellingham is a real player's course. Architect Ted Locke produced a true links style between $70 to $80 depending on the day of the week. After Oct. 1st, the rates drop to $199 and $249 with added rounds $55 to $65. Find out more at their website cdacasino.com and make sure to give their MicroPutt Game a go... It is quite a lot of fun, not to mention a little addictive. 800-523-2464. Their 2012 play and stay packages include deluxe accommodations in the Spa Tower and 18 holes for two. Summer rates (May 18th – Sept. 30th) Sunday to Thursday are just $249 while Friday or Saturday are just $50 more. You can add an extra round for layout that has tremendous subtlety. Golfers will enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Baker while being challenged by the prevailing gale winds sweeping across the landscape of this "Real Scottish Style Links Course." Where can you play 18 holes for $18 or less?" 360-398-8300 northbellinghamgolf.com One real hidden gem just south of the border is Raspberry Ridge with the rep as the best year-round golf course in Whatcom County. Excellent drainage conditions and value makes this 9 hole, par 34 course, located between Bellingham and Lynden a locals' favourite. Their 10 Buck Club gets you golf for only $10 dollars per 9 holes and $15 for 18 holes any day of the week all year long. To join the club, a player pays $125 tax in and also get a dozen golf balls and a comped Golfer's Breakfast at the Raspberry Ridge Grill. 360-354-3029 raspberryridgegc.com Located on a small peninsula at the south end of Greater Vancouver, Point Roberts is actually U.S. territory and for this reason the Point Roberts Golf & Country Club ranks 6th in the entire United States for unique golf courses. It has also been recognized on Golf Digest's Best Places to Play list. Designed by Graham Cooke & Associates, this18-holer measures 6,868 yards with a par of 72 . Says Principal & Visionary Kenji, "Please join us here & enjoy your life and your friends in this natural paradise that is the Point Roberts Golf & Country Club." Join their eClub for a free green fee on your Birthday. (360) 945-4653 (From USA) • (604) 694-0222 (From Canada) • pointrobertsgolfcourse.com The Northwest Montana Golf Association, formerly known as the Flathead Valley Golf Association, has announced its rebranding, recently launched in time for the 2012 golf season. The rebranding includes a new name, identity, and a new website to better highlight the Association's members, and provide greater service quality for its golfers. The decision to rebrand signifies the association's exponential growth in the past 10 years and confirms its commitment to supporting the community's efforts to increase travel to the Flathead Valley area. Voted as one of the top fifty golf destinations in the world by Golf Digest, the Flathead Valley offers 10 championship golf courses, unsurpassed natural amenities, and close proximity to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. Steve Dunfee, President of the NMGA says the rebranding was necessary to help people better connect with the Association and to clarify the geographic location the Association serves. "We're excited to move forward with the rebranding process and look forward to continued promotion of Northwest Montana as a top ranked golf destination." Northwest Montana Golf Association is made up of ten golf courses, eight lodging facilities, and other hotels and resorts throughout Northwest Montana, most recently adding The Lodge at Whitefish Lake to its list of partners. For Further info or to make a reservation, visit golfnorthwestmontana.com, or call 800–392–9795. When you go Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge is offering great Packages for the Flathead Valley. Says the Lodge's Mary Smith, "You will love golfing in the beautiful Flathead Valley, and staying at the BW Rocky Mountain Lodge. Our hotel is centrally located to play 8 public golf courses worth any golfer's attention... all within a forty-five minute drive. Call for information on special golf rates for groups at 800-862-2569. Visit rockymtnlodge.com." 92