Magazine ranks Kalispel, CdA casino golf courses among nation’s top 50
Two area golf courses are among the top 50 casino golf courses in the nation, according to an annual list published by Golfweek magazine.
The Orlando, Florida-based magazine noted Kalispel Golf and Country Club, which placed 30th in its first appearance on the list, is among three new candidates to be considered for the ranking this year.
Other newcomers to the list are Thornberry Creek at Oneida Golf Course in Oneida, Wisconsin, and Rocky Gap Golf Course at Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, Maryland.
Circling Raven Golf Club at the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Resort was ranked 21st on the list, up from 22nd last year.
The magazine ranked Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas as its top casino golf course.
Kalispel Golf and Country Club was founded in 1898 as the Spokane Country Club near 14th Avenue and Perry Street. It moved to South Grand Boulevard and 33rd Avenue in 1903, but after a fire destroyed the main clubhouse, the club relocated in 1910 to its present location at 2010 W. Waikiki Road.
The course, designed by Jim Barnes, is the most historic on Golfweek’s list, according to the magazine.
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians purchased the golf course in 2015, made significant improvements to it and now offers it as an amenity of the Northern Quest Resort & Casino as a stay-and-play package for guests.
“This prestigious acknowledgement from Golfweek Magazine is another indication that the commitment and hard work from our teams has solidified Northern Quest and KGCC as a premier golf and casino destination, made possible by the continued commitment from the Kalispel Tribe to be the very best,” KGCC general manager Bob Castle said in a statement.
The 18-hole course has hosted several professional golfers in its more than 100-year history, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino. It hosted the inaugural U.S. Women’s Open Championship in 1946, won by World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Patty Berg.
The Kalispel Tribe employs more than 2,300 people in Spokane and Pend Oreille counties.