Chop's Double Down pays off!
Mesquite 2016 is in the books and through the second "snow of the century' to hit D.C. in the past 5 years, multiple flight changes, the rollercoaster that is Black Jack, the after party at the Hard Rock, a movie bonanza, Fratt, and 5 rounds of golf by semi-skilled players; the FYMA Cup Double Down paid off for Chop.
It took all 4 days of tournament golf to determine the '16 FYMA Cup champ as Rivs, Vis, P.K. and Chaser all were tightly contesting the championship. It was Chop's solid and steady play that helped him overcome one of the most competitive FYMA Cup Tournaments in history.
So this year's FYMA Cup is now in the books, here are a few highlights of the trip. Scores and 2017 handicaps are posted and can be found on the resources page.
Day minus 3 (Friday): Clarkie and Muddy rearrange their travel schedules to make it to FYMA. Winter Storm Jonas was tracking up the eastern seaboard, dumping nearly 3 feet of snow in DC on Friday and another foot of snow in Connecticut on Saturday. As dedicated FYMA Cup members, the only prudent option was to extend the Cup by 2 days and hang out in Vegas until the rest of the group arrived.
DOUBLE DOWN!
Day minus 2 (Saturday): ARRIVAL Day for the Saturday 7. The next wave of jackals showed up on Saturday afternoon, that meant a full day for Muddy and Clarkie (and buddy Chris) under the bright lights of Vegas; enjoying the calm of the buffet, some games of chance, maybe a refreshment, wondering who would get the van, knowing that the first arrival (P.K. at 5pm) would bring a tempest of energy to the day and this energy would be 'doubled down' with each of the other four arrivals throughout the evening. By the time the last chip was paid, 7 Cuppers had arrived and the Double Down in the Desert had officially began.
DOUBLE DOWN!
Evan Stone in his Flight Suit
Day minus 1 (Sunday): After a quick (free) breakfast courtesy of the Trop, it was time to load the sardine can on wheels and get to our ultimate destination; MESQUITE! Although our start was a little delayed, two more cuppers awaited the Saturday 7 at Casa de Calais, including our virgin Cupper, Whitey. After a quick Wally world run, it was to the Theater room for some playoff football. Yelling conversations prevailed; winners, losers, who cares! Swag bags, late night poker & man soup; It was FYMA Cup Eve.
DOUBLE DOWN!
Roadrunner, where 's the coyote?
Day 1 Travel/Warm Up Day: Falcon Ridge: Late rack and a 1100 tee time. I love the mid morning tee times. A quick accountability check, a breakfast sammy and short drive to the course. We started with 9, Rivs & Kinger were scheduled to arrive later this evening. We teed off on the 10th hole of this desert canyon gem & the shenanigans began. After the round, it was a quick turn back at the house where we awaited Rivs & Kinger with some Tri-tips, late night poker and the annual argument of handicaps.
DOUBLE DOWN!
Day 2 - Conestoga: Another beautiful course laid out in the southwest Nevada desert was the site for our first official round. Sailor J set the tone for a relaxing but competitive round of golf, except for when Fratt ran out of balls and Whitey greeted Muddy with a Bear hug at the 18th. Then in a most unprecedented move, dinner at the golf course (it was free with the round). It was Tuesday and this meant only one thing; Dueling Elvises, or Elva, or Elvi, either way, multiple Elvis impersonators on the stage at the Casa Blanca Casino. A rebound at the Pai Gow and blackjack tables, and a short walk home later, all was good in Mesquite.
LEADER: PK, Gross and Net
DOUBLE DOWN!
Day 3 - Coyote Springs: This golf experiment was somewhere between the lights of Vegas and Area 51. A Nicklaus-designed course, although there is doubt that Nicklaus has ever set foot here.
"A work in progress", Vis said; "Build it and people will come" Vis said.
After a brisk round of golf and a long drive home, Rivs was starving, so back to Wally World for rations. Returning to the Calais, it was pork, man soup, poker and movies.
LEADER: Vis & Chop tied for net & gross
DOUBLE DOWN!
Big Hitter at the Ridge
Photo Bomb: Whitey & PK like the pink ball!
Kinger showing FYMA Cup form!
Day 4 - Oasis Golf, Palmer Course: A foreshadowing of where we could be in 25 years. A Senior-living Golf Community with all trappings; crotchety attitudes, unique fashion, STDs for those over 60, and short distance golf (This was course was made for G). It was moving day at The Palmer and the field tightened up in preparation for a final run at the Cup.
LEADER: Chop gross; Rivs net
LEFT: Back at the Casa; more pork, poker, a sing-a-long and man soup; topped off with a nice 'lippa' and some Tito's.
DOUBLE DOWN!
Final Day - Wolf Creek:
The best was saved for last for the second year in a row. With 5 Cuppers within reach of the FYMA Cup, only one would prevail at this course which featured elevation changes, fast greens, risk/ reward shots and unique vistas. "Big Hitta's" reveled in Wolf Creek's elevation changes and large fairways. It took aggressive play, consistency, and a hell of alot of luck to post low numbers on this very difficult course. That is what this year's winners did capture this year's Cup!
FINAL: Chop wins net and gross!
Hey G....SUCK BALLS!!
FYMA Cup groupie, yes we are all there!