The day following the WGC – Cadillac Championship it was all roads to Tampa Bay and this week’s 2014 Valspar Championship at the superb Innisbrook Resort.
However the trip west from Miami on Florida Highway 41 took us right past the Missoscukee Indian Village.
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida is a US Government recognised Native American tribe residing in Florida.
They were part of the Sweminole nation until the mid-20th century, when they organized as an independent tribe, receiving federal recognition in 1962.
According to Wikipedia the Miccosukee historically inhabited the upper Tennessee Valley in present-day Georgia, where they were originally part of the Upper Chiaha.
Later they split: the Miccosukee (Lower Chiaha) migrated northeast to the Carolinas and the Upper Chiaha, also known as Muscogee, migrated west to northern Alabama. Under continuing encroachment pressure from European-American settlers, many migrated to northern Florida during the 18th and 19th .
The tribe operates the 302-room Miccosukee Resort & Gaming Hotel in Miami.
Sports sponsorship also extends to several NASCAR teams including the 2009 Aaron’s 499 winning Sprint Cup Series car driven by Brad Keselowski, a Camping World truck driven by Kyle Busch, and a Nationwide car driven by Mike Bliss. The Miccosukee relationship with NASCAR dates to 2002.
And there is also a strong golfing connnection – The Miccosukee Golf & Country Club has hosted many LPGA and PGA events, including the Miccosukee Championship; a PGA Web.com Tour event. Situated in the heart of Miami, this Mark Mahannah masterpiece is considered by many to have the best layout in the South Florida area.
This picturesque and challenging facility has 27 holes, Par 72. The lighted practice facility and putting green accommodates up to 50 golfers and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Miccosukee Golf & Country Club features an Olympic-size swimming pool and banquet facilities that can host up to 225 guests for corporate meetings, weddings, quinces/sweet sixteens, birthdays, parties, etc. Guests can also enjoy great meals at our dining facility or visit our full service golf shop for the latest in golf equipment, apparel and merchandise.
* Here is a selection of photographs from our short visit.
