Cuppers-

With the holidays approaching, everyone should be working on their Christmas list ensuring overpriced drivers that only make the slices go farther into the woods and short shorts, now the latest in fashion and Uncle G’s favorite, are at the top of the list. It is Cup Frenzy time with thoughts clearly focused on breaking away for five glorious days in February and the inevitable day 3 when we all just want to get out of hell and back home as quickly as possible. A time when joints cry for Motrin and livers, once again, remember who their true owner is- it’s YOUR FYMA CUP.

The exceptional bantor the past couple of days has me more excited for the Cup than the ABCs of my marriage. I can already hear Fratt whining and complaining about not having a chance with the Cup Championship handicapping slashing that gives him no chance for a repeat- DEAL WITH IT! The thought of late night Karoke gets me fired up more than watching the Patriots lose to the Steelers. It is that glorious time of year where you ignore the family and lay your noggin down at night dreaming of hoisting the cup or listening to G getting yelled at for taking to long delivering drinks or cleaning your sand wedge.

Although the venue is the same and shop talk, of course, is bound to happen, new memories will be made by a close group of knuckleheads that manage to remain friends for almost 30 years now- of course not forgetting PK and ANT who for some reason continue to put up with us or maybe, us with them. Either way, it’s an impressive group whose loyalty to each other is not known or ever felt by many. Okay, that was a bit sappy- you can put the tissues away Ant.

All will be happy to hear that skills challenge should make a return with a working Golden Tee available. One major change to this year's format is a small downgrade in meal priority. No, we will still eat like kings, but the smoker is not making the trip. Breakfast will be served, maybe cereal, but we will ensure Fratt is fueled for his daily ass whipping. Of course beverages will be brought down and a keg purchased as always. Lunch on the course with plans of keeping dinner format simple. I would like to bring back team cooking for dinner plans, putting us all on the hook one night. Hopefully Ant has the number for last night pizza delivery- that was a great call and I will take that night with Ant. I don't mind doing shopping again in Pcola, but without grocery list- you will need to get G to make a food run for ya.

Unfortunately, we have some possible Cuppers not showing- will be tough to get over the loss, but finalized pairings will not be posted for a while.

We are returning to two courses this year on Tuesday and Wednesday- The New Course at Grand Cypress and Bella Collina. Expect your best round on Tuesday at the wide open New Course. Thursday and Friday expect to throw a club or two at the Palmer and Watson Courses at Reunion. Yes you may have to buy a new putter Kinger, but both last two day courses are in our backyard. Monday is still in play for an optional warm up round. The house is not available on Sunday night, so we will have to wing it for Sunday- maybe sleep in van or one hotel room and an early check out; no I will not sleep in the bath tub, Fratt! Mudro has booked a Sunday night arrival and I am hopeful Whitey, G, Chaser, and I will join him. Hopefully more are able.

It's on!

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The Itinerary:

Optional Travel Day - Sunday, 10 Feb (stay TBD, cost <$40/person)

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Required arrival: Monday, 11 February

Try to arrive in groups (see itinerary in the resource page). Uber worked well last year.

Bonus Round for early arrival:

9:50 am: Mystic Dunes - $65

Golden Tee Skills Challenge in the evening

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Day 1 - Tuesday, 12 Feb:

Grand Cypress: The New Course - $125

First Tee Time at 10:06 am (3)

Depart house 9:00am - 18 min drive.

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Day 2 - Wednesday, 13 Feb:

Bella Collina - $170

First Tee Time at 10:00 am (3)

Depart house 8:45 am - 38 min drive.

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Day 3 - Thursday, 14 Feb:

Reunion: The Palmer Course - $105

First Tee Time at 9:50 am

Depart house 9:10 am - 3 min drive.

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Day 4 - Friday, 15 Feb:

Reunion : The Watson Course - $105

First Tee Time at 10:00 am

Depart house 9:20 am - 3 min drive.

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Travel Day- Saturday, 16 Feb: (check out by 1100).

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The House

House is the same as last year, with a recent addition. A new game room was installed, so bring your quarters!

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The Numbers

Costs per person with 10-12:

House: $750 ($150/night for those not staying the entire week)

Golf: $500

Food/booze: est $250- based on annual average

Rental Van/gas: $40-50

Lunch on course: $60

Total: $1600-$1700/person + flights

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The Logistics

The House is about thirty minutes from airport and TD will have a 15 pax van ready to go. Hopefully, you chuckleheads arrive close to each other. We plan to have at least van one run. If you haven’t made flights, plan for after 3pm arrival. We will be checking into house at that time hopefully (check in is 4pm, but asking for earlier). If arrival is earlier, you may have to wait or Uber.

The Duties:

Vis: - Tournament Director (TD). He was born for this and it now has consumed him entirely. Final authority on all rulings, movie choices, new handicap rules, and inter-tournament skirmishes.

Mudro - Assistant TD (ASS TD). Prior to approaching TD, all complaints, gripes, or whining will be approved first through Mudro. He will decide whether or not it deserves my attention, but plan on it going completely ignored. Mud is also the web site developer and collector of all arrival/departure times. A single van run this year (maybe)- so add extra funds in your phone for Uber. Apparel requests also go through Muddy and if you want a shirt, hat, or banana hammock let him know ASAP as he has complete approval to decide and charge as he needs to. He also will determine pairings for the week, which will be approved by the TD.

G - Tourney Official- recheck Mudro handicaps and screw Fratt accordingly. Monday night you will have opportunity to bribe G-money, but all bribe amounts will be approved by me with a 20% TD cut. G will also validate and post scores/leader board nightly.

Rivs - Sommelier. Just let TD know what you want and he will do his best. Do not forget a bottle opener, house should provide, but you should always carry one on your Tilted Kilt charm necklace. This year should be more challenging as we’re not sure whether a Merlot or Pinot Noir pairs properly with frank and beans.

Kinger – A well deserved promotion to Beverage coordinator and shopping list maker. TD needs a complete list including mixers, water, Gatorades for a simple, but large shopping spree at exchange. Don’t forget bloody mary mix. Once menus in place, also need help with grocery list. DVD/movie coordinator: Movie listings should be posted no later than 1900 each evening. Obviously you get first choice of recliners for viewing and as your bed.

Chop – If you can make it, you will be demoted for even bringing your attendance into question. Your new assignment will be Assistant Beverage coordinator. Assist Fratt with choosing the Keg of local goodness. TD will provide a real nice new trash can to to store the keg in.

Clarkie – As with Chop, get your ass to Florida and the title of Official Mixologist will be bestowed upon you. You’re tasked with developing FYMA Cup’s first official drink.

Fratt – With shake up in attendance, he will be your Poker Director- TD has one set of chips, so bring cards and more chips. Also retains his role as the Primary house custodian and ensures all repairs completed before departing. Also, Protocol Officer and addresses all breaches in good manners, humor, and etiquette.

Chaser – Again being in Guam gets you off the hook- just get to Orlando.

PK – Official Time keeper ensuring all players are up and out for T-times. Guilt your brother-in-law into coming. Also is our Games Coordinator to decide any house issues- we do have some arcade games in house. Work with Poker Director.

Ant - Hydration expert /Aquatic Engineer/Swim Suit Inspector; ensure pool is prepped with the prescribed number of noodles and hot tub never falls below 104 degrees F. Anyone with a swimsuit smaller than yours will not be admitted to the pool area.

Begs – Tournament Joker and Ball Breaker; ride along with the tournament leader and get in their head. If it’s Fratt, copious shots of Jaeger should also be applied.

Whitey – Bouncer and Planning Officer; Screens all newcomers at the door, enforces all rulings for the TD. Assist with lessons learned and planning of the next FYMA Cup and all activities involved.

The Menus

No cooking competition, but we will partner up with 3 cooking each night.

Team format: Check back for assignments. Teams will be responsible for submitting shopping lists, cooking and clean up on their assigned day. We have five weeks to debate and change. All proteins/dinners up for change and based on chefs' choices. TD will do his best to pick up and haul down in coolers to avoid shopping on site. Also need easy breakfast list. If you cook better with someone else- check with TD ASS for approval.

Monday night: Burgers - probably easier just to throw some burgers on grill. Everyone can help out.

Tuesday: TBD

Wednesday: TBD

Thursday: TBD

Friday: Pizza, like last year.

Aged 25 Years, this FYMA Cup should be the greatest yet!