Jimmy Gunn gets ‘tribal’ support

However, what makes Gunn’s progress all the more astonishing is his unlikely source of support.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Circling Raven Golf Club in Idaho has sponsored him ever since he moved to America in 2008 to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional golfer.

Jimmy Gunn first came to their attention in 2005 when he was part of a 12-man team representing Royal Dornoch Golf Club, pictured above, that visited Circling Raven to compete a Ryder Cup-style competition with a team representing CRGC and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

“I feel very, very blessed and, of course, I’m forever grateful” – Jimmy Gunn

The bond created in that event eventually led to Gunn’s business relationship with Circling Raven and the casino. They helped him gain a US Sports Visa and assisted him in playing on one of America’s satellite circuits, the Gateway Tour. He lists Circling Raven as his home course and uses a bag with the club’s logo on it.

It’s a bag – and logo – that will now be seen on the Web.com Tour next season following his success in last week’s qualifier.

“There is no question I wouldn’t have this opportunity without the support from the Coeur d’Alene Casino, Circling Raven and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe,” saod Gunn said.  “It’s been a long time coming but that support has got me here and I intend to take advantage. I feel like I can play with anyone, with the very best in the game.

“I feel very, very blessed and, of course, I’m forever grateful.”

Casino chief executive officer Dave Matheson added: “The Royal Dornoch/Circling Raven event was unique. We wanted to share our course with players from Royal Dornoch, one of the greatest courses in the world. It’s a further reward to see the friendships that have grown, and to see the opportunities now coming for Jimmy Gunn.”

Are you another ‘Jimmy Gunn’?

Have you or somebody you know received support to pursue a career in golf from a slightly unusual source, like Jimmy Gunn? If so, email us the details: [email protected]

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor