It’s a return to Orlando for O-Town Show-Down Fore, so grab your scally, your favorite nicotine, and get your liver ready for the best event of your year.  

The Itinerary

25 Jan - Saturday:  Travel day to Orlando

- 12 pm - Target arrival time to MCO

Arrival Groups: 

Van: TD and Chaser (driving), AssTD, Begs, Clarkie, Whitey, Chop?

   Uber: G, Espino

POV: Fratt, Arch, Rivs (from Bryce's)

Late arrivals: Kinger, PK

- 3 pm - All should endeavor to meet at 530 Muirfield Loop, Reunion, FL between 3-330p local time—plan to have a beer while waiting for all the arrivals.  

- 4 pm - Planning meeting - Grocery detail

- 5 pm - Grocery Run

- 7 pm - Relax and let the games begin!

26 Jan - Sunday:  FYMA Fun Day (#FFD); gamble, golf, or hang out at the house

- Brunch Style breakfast

- 3:00 pm - NFC Championship Game, Teams TBD, CBS

- 6:00 pm - Dinner - Tex-Mex a la Whitey

- 6:30 pm - AFC Championship Game, Teams TBD, Fox

27 Jan - Monday: Practice

- 9:00 am - Breakfast secures

- 9:15 am - Van departs

- 10:30 am - Tee Time - Optional Practice Round - Disney's Palms Course ($110),  22 min drive. This 18-hole championship course features shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees, and sloping greens. Completely redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Company in 2013, the Palm Golf Course boasts new green complexes, reshaped tees, and a modernized bunker design, preserving its historic charm while adding contemporary challenges. With 9 holes featuring water hazards and 59 bunkers, the course offers a tough test for both novices and seasoned pros alike.

- 7 pm - Dinner: Shrimps and Pasta

28 Jan - Tuesday:  So it Begins!

- 9:00 am - Breakfast secures

- 9:15 am - Van departs

- 10:30 am - Tee Time - Lead Off Round 1 -  Disney's Lake Buena Vista Course ($110) 22 min drive. This classic country-club-style, 18-hole course winds through pastel villas, pine forests, palmettos, and sparkling lakes. Designed by Joe Lee, it’s known for its elevated, bunkered greens that challenge golfers to make accurate approach shots. Test your skills on the demanding 7th hole, featuring a tricky island green. And if you're in the mood for something other than golf, bring a fishing pole to enjoy the excellent fishing in the course’s many lakes. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and the FYMA O-Town Showdown III in 2023.

- 7 pm - Dinner: Mongo Steak Nite

29 Jan - Wednesday:  Settle In  

- 9:00 am - Breakfast secures

- 9:15 am - Van departs

- 11 am - Tee Time -  Settle In Round 2 - Mission Resort's El Campeón ($90), 50 min drive. Amidst the enchanting embrace of Florida's pristine wilderness, El Campeón, an 18-hole championship course, emerged from the visionary genius of Chicago-based course architect George O'Neil in 1917. This scenic masterpiece witnessed its evolution in 1926, courtesy of Charles E. Clarke, hailing from the legendary golfing grounds of Troon, Scotland. Embrace the legacy, the history, and the vision that defines this golfing gem.

- 6 pm - Dinner out; location TBD

30 Jan - Thursday:  Moving Day

- 11:45 am - Brunch secures 

- 12:00 pm - In the Van

- 1pm - Tee Time - Moving Day Round 3 - Reunion Nicklaus Course ($180), 3 min drive. This Parkland-style layout is smooth and flowing, with long horizon lines and elevated tee boxes and greens. Yet The Nicklaus Course, a Signature Design by Jack Nicklaus, can be as deceptive as it is beautiful. Designed to tempt golfers into hitting risky shots with potentially big payoffs, the course challenges the golfer to step up to the ball with a carefully organized series of shots in mind. This thoughtfully organized set of 18 holes challenges each golfer to the fullest.

- 6 pm - Dinner: Grilled Burgers & Tots

31 Jan - Friday:  Championship Day

- 9:00 am - Breakfast secures

- 9:15 am - Van departs

- 10:30 am - Tee Time - Championship Round 4 - Disney's Magnolia Course ($120), 22 min drive.  Named for its majestic magnolia trees, this course features elevated tees, spacious greens, and challenging water hazards. Wide fairways encourage long drives but beware—11 of the 18 holes are guarded by water, and dozens of sand bunkers dot the landscape. Extensively reimagined in 2023, the Magnolia Course now boasts a newly-elevated design and innovative layout. With updated teeing boxes, redesigned greenside and fairway bunkers, and re-contoured Bermuda grass greens offering fast, true putting surfaces, it’s the perfect spot to wrap up the OS4. This course is built to meet the high standards expected at any FYMA event. 

- 7 pm - Dinner: Pizza Delivery

1 Feb - Saturday:  Travel Day, Optional FYMA Day at Epcot!

- 10 am  check out

2 Feb - Sunday:  Optional Travel Day

Good To Know

About Orlando
Orlando is in the central region of Florida & is dotted by lakes. It was originally inhabited by Timucua & later Seminole peoples. Settlement began about 1843 around Fort Gatlin, a U.S. Army post. First called Jernigan for Aaron Jernigan an early settler, the town was renamed in 1857 to honor Orlando Reeves, an army sentry killed during the Seminole Wars. Orlando is in the Eastern time zone.  

Weather
In January, Orlando averages temperatures ranging from 52F to 71F with 2.3 inches of rain for the month and wind speeds averaging 8mph predominately from the north. We can expect a 20% chance of rain during our visit. Last January, during the same week as this year’s FYMA Cup, Orlando saw colder than average temps (36F to 53F) at the beginning of the week with temps rebounding later in the week (55F to 73F). Sunrise will be at approximately 7:15 am and sunset is at 6 pm, giving us nearly 11 hours of daylight per day. Orlando is known for its humidity, but not during our visit. January in Orlando has the lowest humidity for the year.

The Numbers
Cost per person (12 Cuppers anticipated):

House:  $900 for the week (based on 12-person occupancy); $155/per night if abbreviated stay.

Golf:  $700 for 5 rounds ($565 for 4 FYMA rounds)

Food/Booze: $250 based on the annual average

Rental Van: $80

Swag: $150

Total before your flights & week of Florida fun: ~$2000/person for 7 days and nights.

The Logistics
The House is about 40 minutes from the airport and TD will have a 15-pax van ready to go. Y'all did a great job of coordinating your arrivals. We plan to have at least one van run, but having a second run is possible if a good grouping is made (4 or more). If you haven’t made flights, plan your arrival for around 11 am-2 pm (earlier is better) to get to the house for check-in. If you arrive earlier, you may have to post up in an airport watering hole. If your arrival is after happy hour, expect to Uber. Uber X starts at $52 and Uber XL starts at $72 from the airport. Check-in at the house is 3:00 pm.

Points of Interest:

Walt Disney World 1367 Avenue of the Stars, Epcot, Orlando FL 7mi 17min

Hard Rock Casino Tampa 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 56mi 75min

Top Golf Orlando 9295 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 20mi 35min

Costco 2101 Water Bridge Blvd, Orlando, FL 21mi 36min

Publix Grocery 8301 Champions Gate Blvd, Championsgate, FL 4mi 10min

Liquors at Championsgate 8305 Champions Gate Blvd, Championsgate, FL 4mi 10min

The Duties
1. Vis - Tournament Director (The 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. FYMA is not a democracy. TD’s rulings are final.

2. Mudro - Assistant TD (The AssTD):  Before you storm the Tournament Director (TD) with any complaints, grievances, or general whining, pause. All issues must first pass through AssTD for review. AssTD will then decide whether your complaint is worthy of his precious time or if it’s just douchebaggery. You’ll probably be told to just deal with it. When he’s not being the Grievance Gatekeeper, AssTD is also the tech guru handling the website and collecting all arrival/departure times. Be warned: There may only be a single van run this year. So if you're planning to rely on transportation, you’d better have Uber funds ready to go, or you might find yourself hitching a ride on someone’s luggage. Got apparel requests? Need a shirt, a Scally, or maybe a banana hammock? It all goes through AssTD. Let him know ASAP, because he has the ultimate power to approve, deny, or charge you based on his whims. Oh, and he also handles the pairings for the week. Yes, those too will be subject to the almighty approval of the TD.

3. G - Tourney Official and Time Keeper: G-Money ensures Handicap Verifications and Adjustments. Rechecks AssTD’s handicaps and make sure Fratt gets thoroughly screwed over—in the most fair and ethical way possible, of course. On Saturday and Sunday nights, you may have the golden opportunity to bribe G-money. However, be warned: All bribe amounts must be pre-approved by the TD, and 20% of the bribe goes straight into the TD’s pocket (for "administrative purposes"). G-money will also be in charge of validating and posting scores and updating the leaderboard nightly—so if you get screwed on your handicap, blame him, not AssTD. As the Official Time Keeper, it’s his sacred duty to make sure all players are up and ready to roll for their tee times. Think of G as the world’s least appreciated alarm clock. No snooze buttons are allowed.

4. Whitey – Planning Officer & Movie Coordinator (The POM): Movie Coordinator: His mission, should he choose to accept it, is to make sure movie listings are posted by 7:00 PM sharp each evening. As the fearless organizer, The POM automatically get first dibs on the recliners. Feel free to take the best one and claim it as the POM throne, but don't be surprised if people eye it like it’s a parking spot at Costco on Black Friday. As the bouncer, he’ll screen all newcomers at the door. The POM also enforce any rulings made by the TD, which means he gets to be the enforcer and peacemaker all at once. It’s like being a superhero, but with less spandex. Finally, assist in gathering all the “lessons learned” (mostly "don’t do that again") and help plan the next FYMA Cup. 

5. Clarkie - Poker Director/Games Coordinator (aka Pitboss): Clarkie is basically the ringmaster of this circus—His main tools? Two sets of poker chips and a deck of cards. If he can’t scrounge up these essentials, don’t worry, he can just beg, borrow, or steal from other Cuppers (preferably not the stealing part, unless it’s really necessary). In addition to overseeing our gambling, the Pitboss is in charge of any side games—because who doesn’t love a good game of "let’s make it up as we go"?  He’ll also be the one making game rulings, which means he gets to play referee. However, remember that the TD holds the ultimate power to decide on any disputes.

6. Rivs - Sommelier & Food Coordinator (aka SomFoo or Jo-loha):  As the Sommelier & Food Coordinator, your first task is to provide a wine list for SuppO to execute—don’t forget the bottle opener! While the house may provide one, always keep one handy on your Tilted Kilt charm necklace. You never know when you’ll need to uncork greatness. In addition, Jo-loha will be filling the role of Food Director. he'll ensure all food lists are crafted based on the menu planning of each cooking group. With Rivs in charge of both, this year should be a breeze—especially when it comes to pairing Merlot with franks and beans. Bon appétit... or whatever you want to call that combo!

7. Fratt – Beverage Czar (except wine). Frattski's first responsibility as the Beverage Czar is to provide SuppO with the most comprehensive beverage list known to humanity—this includes mixers, water, Gatorades, and whatever else you think will keep the masses hydrated and happy. Think of it as a simple shopping spree... but on a grand scale. Don’t forget the Bloody Mary mix—this is not optional. Fratt will also hand-pick the Keg of Local Goodness—because nothing says "classy event" like a keg that could have been brewed by local wizards in a barn somewhere. And, let’s not forget, you are now officially bestowed with the title of Official Mixologist. That’s right, Fratt, you’ve earned the honor of creating the FYMA Cup’s first-ever signature drink. It’ll be legendary, or at least it will make people forget their problems.

8. Chop – SuppO (Supply Overlord):  Once all assignments are handed out, the Directors, Czars, and Coordinators will send their supply lists to Chop—who, unfortunately for him, is now the chosen one for handling it all. Your job? Make sure you send him a supply list so long and complicated that it’ll feel like assembling IKEA furniture in the middle of a hurricane. After all, Chop will be absolutely wrecked during his flight and layovers this year, so the more challenging you make it, the better. The SuppO also has double duty, taking on the esteemed role of Food Director. This means he will oversee the culinary chaos, ensuring that food lists are properly developed based on the brilliant menu planning of each cooking group. Think of it as the ultimate Iron Chef competition but with more questionable ingredient choices and less skill.

9. Kinger is officially shifting into his new, highly prestigious role as Charc-O (pronounced “shark-o”). His sole mission? To ensure that all Cuppers are endlessly supplied with the finest array of cured meats, cheeses, and other accoutrements raffinés (that’s fancy-talk for "stuff that makes you look fancy"). We’re talking top-tier olives, fruits, nuts, jams, and anything else that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a wine-and-cheese rave. Kinger’s specific requirements are nothing short of perfection: the meats and cheeses must be sliced to a thickness that would make a deli counter jealous, arranged in such aesthetically pleasing patterns that Pinterest would consider hiring him, and garnished with decorative flourishes like herbs, edible flowers, and little fruit confetti. This isn’t just a charcuterie board—it’s a charcuterie masterpiece. And let's not forget the temperature rules: cheeses must be served at room temperature (to unlock their full flavor potential, obviously), and the meats? Properly chilled—because no one wants a sweaty salami.

10. Espino - Reprotaw Director/Trainer: As the Reprotaw, Spino’s daily duties include the fine art of pairing tobacco and whiskey—because someone has to elevate this experience to its highest, most sophisticated level. His responsibilities include curating daily pairings that will have Cuppers contemplating life’s deeper meanings, all while ensuring a well-stocked supply of cigars and bourbons. You’ll serve as the ultimate guide to proper drinking and smoking techniques, dispensing wisdom in the form of educational tidbits like, “Don’t inhale the bourbon” or “Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to sip your whiskey and savor your cigar in the same breath.” You'll also ensure that the atmosphere is just right—comfortable enough that people can appreciate the delicate balance of a fine cigar and a well-aged bourbon without wondering if the room is too hot, too cold, or too whiskey-scented. This role demands not just a discerning palate, but also a combination of knowledge, experience, and a mystical ability to connect with each Cupper. After all, pairing is about the people—and their ability to appreciate the nuance of what he'll be giving them without accidentally lighting their eyebrows on fire.

13. PK - Aquatic Engineer/Extra-curricular Activities Director: As the AEECAD (pronounced a-yeeeeee-cad) , PK’s main mission is ensuring that the pool is as pristine as a luxury resort and that the hot tub never dips below a blistering 104°F. Because let’s face it, anything less and it is just not man soup. He'll also enforce the sacred swimsuit rule: anyone wearing a suit smaller than his will not be admitted to the pool area. But his talents don’t stop at water temperature and poolside fashion policing. He is also in charge of coordinating our evening escapades and dining excursions, working closely with the Pitboss to ensure that our nights out are filled with just the right amount of debauchery, dining, and — of course — strategic gameplay. The AEECAD is the mastermind behind making sure no one goes to bed hungry… or sober.

12.  Begs - will fill the role of #Hyped Guy. In this role, Begs will be responsible for setting the FYMA vibe, and reading the room to understand when to go hard or dial it back. He will lead all toasts, reveals, and key moments with high energy or witty sarcasm. Enjoy the ride!

13.  Chaser - Random Task at-Large:  The ultimate Jack-of-all-trades, Begs’ role as Random Task is to take on whatever random job the TD or AssTD throws his way. From prepping the keg like a true beverage architect to performing sacred rituals in the bathroom (aka the shitter-de-turder), his job is to ensure everything runs smoothly—even if it means diving into the messiest of tasks. He’ll be tasked with the kind of glory no one else wants: arranging seating with the precision of a high-stakes Tetris player, hunting down lost keys and wallets like a seasoned detective, and, in general, making sure that nothing—not even a rogue spoon or misplaced shoe—goes unnoticed. He is the unsung hero of the FYMA Cup, making sure everyone’s in the right place, with the right drink, fires are optional.

14.  Arch - Protocol Officer (aka Po-Po): As our newest (arguable) Cupper, Arch will be the fearless defender of good manners, impeccable humor, and general etiquette. When someone breaches the sacred laws of politeness (you know, like interrupting someone mid-sentence or asking for ketchup at a fine steak dinner), Arch will be there to swiftly correct them with a well-timed "Excuse me, but that’s not how we behave" in classic Arch-like style.  Arch is also the official repair guru, making sure that any broken items—be it a shattered drywall, a malfunctioning cooler, or the dignity of a wayward Cupper—are fixed before we head out. No one leaves with a lingering problem... unless it’s their questionable fashion choices. And when the inevitable pre- or post-round skirmishes break out, the Po-Po will step in as the peacekeeper, settling disputes with a mix of diplomacy, humor, and the occasional well-placed sarcasm. After all, nothing diffuses tension like a good laugh... or an unexpected round of applause for an impeccable sense of timing.

The House