Award-Winning Circling Raven Golf Club is Celebrated on YouTube.com

Streaming Video Shows Why this Amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and Coeur d’Alene Tribe in the Idaho Panhandle is On Most Discerning Golfers’ Bucket List

(Worley, IDAHO) – They say a picture says a thousand words and seldom has that truism rung more clear than in a streaming video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0WniiMK0Gw) about Circling Raven Golf Club, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and its casino resort hotel on YouTube.com – the iconic social media site which allows people worldwide to “see, touch, feel and listen to” things around the globe they wouldn’t otherwise.

The video vividly demonstrates the inspiring, unspoiled beauty of the Creator-blessed terrain, and how CDA Tribe members ensure their sacred land – through Circling Raven – paid their predecessors the homage and respect they deserve. By settling for nothing less than a course which honors the tribe and its legacy, the Coeur d’Alenes have made their tribe and its legacy known worldwide.

“We have been blessed with the history and guidance which led us to this place, this time, and this land,” said CDA Casino Resort Hotel CEO David Lasarte-Meeks, a Coeur d’Alene tribal member. “It is our ongoing mandate to ensure Circling Raven and all tribal endeavors reflect the commitment we have toward excellence and making our tribal members and ancestors proud.”

Since its first full season (2004), Circling Raven has consistently exceeded industry norms, racking up more than 40 best-in-kind awards. These include garnering awards for customer service, “Merchandiser of the Year” acclaim on multiple occasions, and Top 100 U.S. public and resort course distinction from GOLF, Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines (out of more than 13,500 such courses nationally).

Recent honors bestowed upon the Gene Bates-designed Circling Raven include:
* America's Top Golf Courses – Zagat Survey 2009-10 (6th Edition)
* National Finalist for 2009 Merchandiser of the Year (Pro Shop) – PGA of America
* Top 100 U.S. Courses You Can Play 2008-09 – GOLF Magazine
* America’s Greatest Public Courses 2009-2010 – Golf Digest
* Top-40 Casino Courses in the U.S. (No. 4) – Golf Digest
* No. 1 in Idaho, America’s Best Courses You Can Play – Golfweek Magazine 2009
* No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America - Native American Casino Magazine 2008
* Resort Merchandiser of the Year – PGA of America Northwest Section 2008
* Service Excellence Award by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chapter of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor

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

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Go Back2back at Pinehurst

Back2back Offers More Opportunity to Experience One of World's Most Celebrated Golf Courses

(VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. ) - To fully appreciate the world's great golf courses often requires playing them again and again. The more one plays them, the more they reveal. This fall, Pinehurst Resort wants golfers to enhance, rekindle or begin their appreciation of Donald Ross' masterpiece - all in one unprecedented package.

Back2Back, which will be offered Sept. 9 through Nov. 7, features three rounds of golf, including two on famed Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open in successive weeks. It's the first time that Pinehurst is offering multiple rounds on No. 2 within the same package, delivering access to the world-renowned course for back-to-back rounds - long before the pros complete their historic double.

Starting at $1,265 per person, Back2Back also includes two nights accommodations, the best breakfast in golf and a la carte dinner. Those staying midweek will receive a $300 gift card. Caddies are highly suggested and start at $25 per bag.

"Pinehurst No. 2 is one of those courses that you love the first time you play it, but appreciate it even more during every subsequent round,'' said Don Sweeting, Pinehurst's EVP of golf and club operations. "The subtleties allow for a new experience every time, and we're excited to let our golfers taste that this fall as we celebrate our 2014 announcement. Get your short game ready, and start practicing on the putting green now."

With the recent renovation of the majority of its guest rooms and a new executive chef, Pinehurst continues to deliver the best overall golf experience to all golfers in 2009.

For more information about the package or to make a reservation, visit http://www.pinehurst.com/ or call 800-487-4653.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Territory Bolsters Staff with Addition of Talented Golf Professional

Former Tour Professional Casey Harbour Joins State’s Premier Golf and Residential Community

(Southwest Oklahoma) – The Territory Golf and Country Club, an award-winning property just outside the town of Duncan, announces the addition of Assistant Golf Professional Casey Harbour to its staff.

Harbour, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, was a four-time first team Golf Academic All-Big 12 selection in golf while at the University of Kansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was also twice named an Academic All-American by the National Golf Coaches Association of America before continuing his education with a master’s degree in sports studies. In 1999, Harbour won the Kansas Open and in 2003 he claimed the Kansas Amateur title, as well as Kansas Player of the Year.

“The addition of a skilled and dedicated golf professional like Casey to our team at The Territory is extremely exciting,” says General Manager Tim Johnson. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to our staff, and members and guests will benefit greatly from his experience.”

Harbour, who most recently spent four years competing on the Tight Lies Tour, Adams Tour and Hooters Tour as a professional golfer, will have a wide range of responsibilities at The Territory. In addition to assisting with the junior golf program, he will conduct individual and group lessons, help with the high school teams, and join in planning, preparing and putting on golf tournaments.

The Territory – a modified target-style layout designed by Randy Heckenkemper – was named a Top 50 Residential Course by Golfweek and one of Oklahoma’s best courses by Golf Digest. The course features multiple tees to accommodate any skill level and boasts a state-of-the-art practice facility and three-hole short course where Harbour, Johnson and Head Golf Professional Donavan Grahn conduct instruction for those looking to improve their game.

The Territory recently expanded its stay-and-play packages with a third on-site home to host visitors. The luxurious, graciously appointed accommodations feature two-to-four spacious bedrooms, living room, full kitchen and baths. Package pricing per person is:
• Single: $275 per night
• Double: $225 per night
• Triple: $195 per night
• Foursome: $175 per night

A growing residential development where organic architecture – wood, windows, stone, light and natural elements – themes prevail, The Territory is flush with amenities like the Prairie House – headed by Chef Keith Zinke – and myriad outdoor activities. The setting is golf-first, as opposed to many properties where homes encroach on the course, and the game remains the focus from the first tee shot to the final putt.

For more information on The Territory, call 580.475.0075 or visit www.territorygolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Top 10 Moments in Pocono Mountains Golf History

Few destinations across the United States can match the long and storied past Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains – home to legendary course designers, professional familial legacies and PGA Tour milestones.

Whether it is golf on a championship course, exploring Mother Nature’s options, or relaxing at a luxurious spa, the Pocono Mountains have been a must-visit destination for generations and offer a variety of recreational interests and world-class resorts for people of all ages.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the inception of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, below is a Top 10 list of golfing milestones exclusive to the Pocono Mountains.

• 1912 – Legendary Architect Donald Ross unveils his East Course at Pocono Manor Golf Resort & Spa. Ross – part of the Golden Era of golf which flourished in the four-county region – later designed another Pocono Mountains stalwart – Buck Hill Golf Club.

• 1928 – Walter Hagen takes an 11 on the par-3 12th at Wolf Hollow (now No. 4 at Water Gap Country Club) during the Eastern Open, the hole is forever known as “Hagen’s Folly.”

• 1938 – Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort – the first-ever design by A.W. Tillinghast – hosts the PGA Championship where Paul Runyan upset the great Sam Snead. The classic course would later host the 1967 NCAA Championships, won by a legend in the making, Hale Irwin.

• 1947 – Robert Trent Jones Sr. – the architect of classic layouts like Spyglass Hill and Hazeltine National (site of this year’s PGA Championship) – unveils his Pocono Mountains design at Tamiment Golf Club.

• 1952 – Arnold Palmer meets his future wife, Winnie, at Shawnee-on-the-Delaware, beginning one of golf’s great romances and cementing the Pocono Mountains reputation as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World.” The Palmers loving and affectionate relationship was well-documented as they were married for 45 years until Winnie’s untimely passing.

• 1959 – While representing Pocono Manor, Art Wall Jr. won the Masters and was named PGA Player of the Year, now his son Greg is currently the course’s Head Professional.

• 1974 – NASCAR hosts its first race at the Pocono Raceway – introducing hundreds of thousands of fans to great golf in the four-county destination – and continues to host two events annually.

• 1984 – Pocono Mountains Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament created to benefit local students who have been accepted into tourism and hospitality degree programs.

• 1997 – The “Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus unveils his Signature Design at the Great Bear Golf & Country Club.

• 2006 – Billy Casper-managed Jack Frost National debuts, giving the region more than 30 unique facilities. Three seasons later, Mount Airy reopens after refurbishments to the hotel including a Vegas-style casino. Gaming has arrived at the Poconos Mountains, a new chapter in destination’s history.

Combined with the close proximity of New York City, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, the mountain getaway has only grown in popularity over recent seasons. Golfers are choosing to stay closer to home rather than fight the rising travel costs and overcrowded fairways at other destinations. Instead of checking extra luggage, boarding planes and waiting in lines, smart golfers are making the short, scenic drive and teeing off on one of the Pocono Mountains many courses.

A complete list of Pocono Mountains golf courses and links to individual Web sites can be found at www.poconosgolf.com. The four-season destination also provides the ideal backdrop for corporate outings and meetings. If it’s an overnight stay, a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, people are increasingly discovering the convenience and proximity of the Pocono Mountains properties and value-laden packages.

For more information about golf and other activities in the Pocono Mountains: 800.POCONOS (800.762.6667), www.poconosgolf.com, www.800poconos.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sweetgrass Golf Club Lauded as ‘Best Casino Golf Course’ by Midwest Gaming & Travel

Island Resort & Casino Also Recognized for Gaming, Amenities and Activities in Annual Readers Choice Awards

(HARRIS, MI) – Sweetgrass Golf Club – the newest amenity of the Island Resort & Casino – was named “Best Casino Golf Course” in Midwest Gaming & Travel’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards surveying Native American casinos.

Readers from the United States and Canada rated casino courses on a variety of topics and Sweetgrass received top marks for playability, aesthetics and selection of memorable holes.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a Band of the Potawatomi Nation, Sweetgrass Golf Club – designed by Paul Albanese – stretches 7,300 yards from the tips and offers five sets of tees. Named after the aromatic herb used in Indian peace and healing rituals, this unique layout incorporates Native American heritage and challenges golfers with an island green on the signature hole, No. 15.

“In just one year, our course already received a multitude of awards from various publications showcasing our appeal to all levels of golfers,” says General Manager Tom McChesney. “It’s always rewarding for consumers to nominate us and this recent award highlights all the Island Resort & Casino offerings – Vegas-style gaming and entertainment, dining, amenities and of course, golf.”

Sweetgrass Golf Club was recently recognized as one of Michigan’s Top 20 public courses in Golfweek’s 2009 ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ state-by-state rankings; besting nearly 700 facilities

In addition to Sweetgrass’s honor, the Island Resort & Casino won “Best of” awards from Midwest Gaming & Travel in seven other categories:
* Poker Tournaments
* Bingo Jackpots
* Bingo Hall
* Bingo Packages
* Early Bird Bingo
* RV Park
* Casual Restaurant (Firekeepers)

For the fourth consecutive year, the Island Resort & Casino was the top vote getter of the 11 Upper Peninsula casinos.

Located in the unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Island Resort & Casino and Sweetgrass Golf Club are easily accessible via a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette.

For more information on the Island Showroom, the casino or Sweetgrass Golf Club, please visit www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2252.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

10th Annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) - A field of 160 golfers from 18 U.S. programs will compete in the 10th Annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament, July 31-Aug. 3, in Lincoln, Neb.

The Mahoney Golf Course and Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln will host the annual tournament for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics golfers ranging from ages 13 to 57 will test their golf skills in five levels of competition for athletes of different abilities. Several top-performing competitors in the 18-hole individual stroke play competition are returning while nearly 20 family pairings of fathers-sons, mothers-daughters and brothers will compete in the 9- and 18-hole team competitions.

"Special Olympics, like the game of golf, provides rewarding recreational and competitive opportunities that cross boundaries of age, gender and skill levels," says PGA of America President, Jim Remy. "The 10th annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament is again a prime example of the principles of golf ~ inclusion, sportsmanship, respect among players and satisfaction in a shot well-played. On behalf of the 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals, we wish all of the athletes and team partners an exciting week of competitive golf and look forward to welcoming them back to their home courses for additional playing opportunities throughout the year."

Special Olympics golf offers five levels of competition for athletes of different abilities. Level I is an individual skills contest, where six golf skills are tested. Level II is an alternate shot team play, where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics partner of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. Level III is Unified Sports® team play, pairing Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke-play 9-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively. Competition for levels I, III & V will take place at Highlands Golf Course, while Level II & IV competitors will play at Mahoney Golf Course.

The Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament travels to Lincoln this year as a precursor to the community's hosting of the 2010 Special Olympics USA Summer Games.

Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies will tee off the 2009 tournament on Fri., July 31, on the campus of the University of Nebraska. Three competitive golf rounds will be played Aug. 1-3, with medal ceremonies held immediately following the final round at each golf facility on Mon., Aug. 3. The golf industry has pledged its support once again with The PGA of America and USGA as presenting sponsors, and the GCSAA as supporting sponsor.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Progress Continues at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores

Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is Centerpiece of Southwest Mich. Revitalization Project

(BENTON HARBOR, Mich.) - The Golf Club at Harbor Shores announced recently that the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in Benton Harbor is nearing completion as the designer himself conducted a recent inspection of the property.

The championship golf course will serve as the cornerstone for the 530-acre master-planned community which will include residential units, commercial space, a marina, a hotel/conference center and various other resort and community amenities.

While the 18-hole layout is set to open in spring 2010, the golf course will be open for limited preview play July 15 through Oct. 15, 2009. The nine-hole, par-35 loop can be played from 2,583 to 3,336 yards and will be offered Fridays through Sundays to 60 players per day.

Visitors to the Southwest Michigan property - located 90 minutes east of Chicago - will be treated to a spacious layout that strategically winds through native wetlands and natural sand dunes with bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan.

Part of a unique non-profit development partnership, Harbor Shores is designed to serve as a catalyst for community transformation by producing significant economic impact to the area by creating jobs and generating new consumer spending and tax revenue. Harbor Shores is planned in order to restore beauty to a pristine area of Lake Michigan's waterfront through the restoration of local public park space, the clean up of brownfields, and the preservation of natural wetlands.

"This [property] is really a huge enabler to drive community transformation and economic growth - not only in Benton Harbor but throughout Southwestern Michigan," said Nicklaus during his recent visit to the property to inspect the final three holes along the waterfront.

Golfers interested in booking a tee time for preview play at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, which is managed by Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports, should call 269.927.4653 or visit www.harborshoresgolf.com to book an online tee time.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Territory Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Southwest Oklahoma’s Premiere Golf and Residential Community Offers Private-Club Experience via Value-Laden Packages

(Southwest Oklahoma) – The Territory Golf and Country Club, an award-winning property just outside the town of Duncan, celebrates its fifth year of championship golf and top-of-the-bell-curve amenities this month.

When Rick and Barbara Braught set out to create The Territory, the mandates were family-focused amenities and a stellar golf course – all leading to a memorable atmosphere for members and guests. The result is an acclaimed course and a community in which they see their children’s children being raised.

“From Day 1, our plan was to go well beyond fairways and greens and create a complete experience,” says Rick Braught. “The awards and accolades have been tremendous, but it’s our members and guests who come first.”

Upon opening, Golfweek named The Territory a Top 10 New Course in the country and followed by recently ranking the Randy Heckenkemper design in its “Top 50 Residential Courses” list. Additionally, Golf Digest has included The Territory in its “Best-in-State” rankings.

The Territory has drawn the attention of tournament directors, too. The modified target-style layout, featuring multiple tees to accommodate any skill level, has hosted the Oklahoma State Amateur, Oklahoma Senior State Amateur, an NCAA Div. II Super Regional and a stop on the Adams Pro Golf Tour Series. General Manager Tim Johnson also was named a “Most Admired Operator” by Golf Inc. Magazine.

Perhaps the most telling aspect of The Territory’s quality and commitment to customer service is the fact that membership has grown – despite the country’s recent economic downturn. While other clubs have struggled to maintain numbers, The Territory has thrived.

Heralded as a private club, The Territory offers its acclaimed fairways to any golf aficionado via value-laden stay-and-play packages. Each stay-and-play home features two spacious bedrooms, living room, full kitchen and baths and rates include one round of golf per night’s stay, with additional rounds available at the current guest fee. Package pricing per person is:
* Single: $275 per night
* Double: $225 per night
* Triple: $195 per night
* Foursome: $175 per night

Golf is the calling card at this growing residential development, but The Territory is flush with luxurious amenities such as the Prairie House – headed by Chef Keith Zinke – and myriad outdoor activities. The Prairie House offers members and guests some of the finest cuisine in the region, while a swimming pool and multi-purpose sport court cater to the children, as well as the young at heart.

For more information on The Territory, call 580.475.0075 or visit www.territorygolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Kaua‘i Golf Courses and Resorts Offer Summer Values and Options

‘Garden Isle’ Golf and Resort Lifestyle Amenities Abound

(Kaua‘i, Hawaii) – Value and options – something all discerning travelers appreciate – are abundant on Kaua‘i this summer.

Poipu Bay Golf Course (www.poipubaygolf.com, 800.858.6300) is world-renowned for its lush landscaping, ocean-side setting, and award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. Adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, it was rated No. 16 in GolfWorld magazine’s “2009 America’s Top 50 Resort Courses.”

In addition to guests of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i enjoying reduced playing rates at Poipu Bay, the resort is offering a summer fifth-night free promotion, which includes daily breakfast for two adults and up to four children, 50 percent off a second room for children, "bottomless cup" for children 12 and under, 1/2 camp for one child, one free in room movie and a 20 percent discount at the opulent Anara Spa. Visit www.grandhyattkauai.com.

Like the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, Puakea Golf Course (www.puakeagolf.com, 866.773.5554) in Lihue is family and child friendly. One of island residents’ favorite courses, and rated one of Golfweek magazine’s “America’s Best Courses You Can Play” by state in golf-rich Hawaii, Puakea allows kids to play free all summer long (ages 7-18), one free junior for each paying adult (June 1 - August 31, 2009).

If golf and spa amenities appeal, Princeville’s Prince Course offers its "2009 Tease for Two Package." This package includes a round of golf and a 50-minute massage at the Princeville Spa for $275. Package valid through 2009.

As tantalizing as that offer is, there’s additional excitement in store for visitors to Princeville coming soon. The St. Regis Princeville Resort is scheduled to debut on Oct. 1. And the Makai Course, which along with the Prince Course, combine to offer 45 holes of stellar golf at Princeville, is scheduled to unveil a substantial renovation to all 27 of its holes on Nov. 1. For more information and reservations www.princeville.com, 800.826.1105.

Next comes this offer from Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club (www.kauailagoonsgolf.com, 800.634.6400) in Lihue. Making it affordable for every golfer, or family of golfers, to experience award-winning golf during their Kaua‘i stay, the club provides adults with an $85, 18-hole green fee and $25 club rental. The offer includes two sleeves of premium golf balls and is available after 11 am daily.

For golfing families, children ages 6-17 may play for free and are offered free club rental when accompanied by a paying adult anytime daily.

Both Summer Specials are valid from July 1 through August 31 of this year (2009).

Kauai Lagoons’ Jack Nicklaus-designed layout is adjacent to the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club. Green fees for non-resort guests are normally priced at up to $175 and club rentals at $55, hence, these offers afford players with substantial savings. For more information about the Garden Isle, visit www.kauaidiscovery.com/activities/golfing/ or call 800-262-1400.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com