COVID be damned! Grab your socks and get your shots, it's time to hit the afterburners and head south to the the Cradle of Naval Aviation. We are going back to Pensacola, where some of us earned those "Wings of Gold", and the setting of the hit series with the same name. It's where Chopper tied the knot with his lovely bride some 20 years ago. Where, arguably, some of the greatest beaches in the world can be found. It's also the home of Trader John, Joe Patti, McGuire's, and our very own TD.

We certainly have plenty of fond memories of this area, but now it's time to make more. Cuppers, your favorite time of the year has not been cancelled. In fact, this year's shenanigans coincide with St. Patrick's Day, and while there may be some grand cities to celebrate it in, Pensacola can hold its own. Plans are to visit McGuire's to dine and imbibe after a tough day of the yips and lack of jazz Juice; who knows who will "kiss the moose." Let just hope Fratt doesn't punch the moose in the face and grab some bills to pay for some offshore fishing. Whether your game is played with a rod or a club, it's time to "Shake your Shellelagh down South!

For some of us Cuppers, the return to Pensacola is truly special. It was the first place we broke those surly bonds of earth to soar amongst with the eagles. Who can remember water skiing on the Texar Bayou or heading to the Flori-Bama in the back of a Uhaul? Maybe Rivs can toss one of his Patriot t-shirts on the grill. To be sure, there will many stories to retell on this trip.

Without further adieu, here's your line up for the Southern Shillelagh Shake!

The Schedule: (course order/tee times are subject to change based on TD negotiations)

Day 0 - 16 March:

Required Arrival Day: Get your a$$ to Pensacola!

• 1st night Business Meeting

Day 1 - 17 March:

A.C. Read Golf Course, Pensacola, FL

• Tee Time: >11am

• Depart house TBD - 27 min drive (16 miles)

• St Patrick's Day at Casa de TD

Day 2 - Thursday, 18 March:

Stonebrook Golf Club, Pace, FL

• Tee Time: >11am

• Depart house TBD - 14 min drive (9 miles).

• March Madness begins with the "First Four" play in games

Day 3 - Friday, 19 March:

Marcus Pointe Gold Course, Pensacola, FL

• Tee Time: >11am

• Depart house TBD - 20 min drive (9 miles).

• March Madness first round games

• Possible Dinner at McGuire's

Day 4 - Friday, 20 March:

• Scenic Hills Golf Club, Pensacola, FL

• Tee Time: >11am

• Depart house TBD - 10 min drive (4 miles).

• March Madness first round games

Day 5 - Friday, 21 March:

Travel Day: Go back to where you came from.

The Weather:

Average Highs: 70F; Daily high temperatures increase by 5°F, from 67°F to 72°F, rarely falling below 58°F or exceeding 79°F.

Average Lows: 51F; Daily low temperatures increase by 6°F, from 51°F to 57°F, rarely falling below 38°F or exceeding 67°F.

For tons of other weather information to nerd out on, go here: https://weatherspark.com/m/13877/2/Average-Weather-in-February-in-Pensacola-Florida-United-States#Sections-ColorTemperature

With the clocks springing ahead the Sunday prior to FYMA, tee times will be pushed to the 1100 hour, getting us into warmer temps, allowing more time for breakfast, and the grumpy that follows.

The Numbers - The good news is there will be a minimal lodging charge, and the golf is about $40 per round, making this a very inexpensive trip.

Costs per person with 8-10:

House: $100-200

Golf: $160

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

Rental Van/gas: $75

Lunch on course: $60

Swag: $100

Total: $700-750/person + flights

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. Has first dibs on the john.

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 TD's attention, but plan on it going completely ignored. ASS TD is also the web site developer and collector of all arrival/departure times. No van run this year - so add extra funds in your phone for Uber. Apparel requests also go through ASS TD and if you want a shirt, banana hammock, or other swag, 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- Unfortunately, G will be missing this year, marking the first FYMA Cup that will tee off without Uncle G. He will retain his duties and will Zoom in nightly to ensure fair play, except he'll figure some way to screw Fratt. You will have the opportunity to bribe G-money, but all bribe amounts will be approved by ASS TD with a 20% TD cut and then directly Venmo'd to G. G will also validate and post scores/leader board nightly.

Clarkie – Is appointed to our newly formed Operations Director (OPS). Once all assignments are handed out, The ASS TD shall send all supply lists, booze requests, and arrival/departure times to OPS. OPS is responsible for all post-arrival personnel movements and maintenance of all sustenance levels and reports directly to the TD to ensure all logistical needs are met/maintained.

P.K.- Assistant OPS (A OPS) and Official Time keeper ensuring all players are up and out for T-times. Primary responsibility is to guilt brother-in-law into coming. Also is our Games Coordinator to develop the manner of any side games, or in-house entertainment. Works with Poker Director. Reminder, there is the play-in and first round of March Madness during the Cup. Wagers are encouraged.

Kinger – Returns as Beverage coordinator aka Beverly. TD needs a complete list including mixers, water, Gatorades for a simple, but large shopping spree at exchange. Don’t forget bloody mary mix and the craft beer. Only member exempt from sleeping on the dog bed penalty (Zoom tutor penalty still applies, see below).

Rivs - Sommelier. He'll be late, but you bet your ass he have your wine selections. Responsible for the wine list to ensure great wine-food parings in coordination with the Menu Director. TD should provide the bottle opener, but if unavailable, Rivs always has one on his Tilted Kilt charm necklace. This year should be more challenging as we’re not sure whether Merlot or Pinot Noir pairs properly with Conecuh sausage & crawdads.

Chop - Your Menu Director works with the host to develop the grocery list by coordinating with the Sommelier and each of the daily cooking teams to provide a daily nourishing dinner menu that matches well with the wine list. The Menu Director creates the daily breakfast menu. Stands in for the Sommelier.

Fratt - You have heard of the one-eyed Jack, well FYMA has a one-armed Fratt; 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.

Whitey - Alternative Entertainment Director and Protocol Officer: In this newest of roles for FYMA, Whitey is responsible for alternate day trips for the non-golfers as well as addressing all breaches in good manners, humor, and etiquette.

Begs - Rumor has it, Begs was once considering attending Bartender School after a stint at Truck Driving school, so the assignment to Official FYMA Cup Mixologist is also bestowed upon him. Begs is tasked with developing FYMA Cup’s first official drink.

Further assignments will be issued as needed.

The Menus

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. All proteins/dinners up for change and based on chefs' choices, so get your lists to Chop. If you cook better with someone else- check with ASS TD for approval.

This year's lodging will be at the Casa del Vislay, so first come first served. Last one in gets the dog bed and will be a guest tutor for Colin and Emma's Zoom classes. Uber from the airport to La Casa is about $7-10 dinero. There will be no van runs, so let's plan accordingly.

Make your flights and get your itineraries to ASS TD! It's your Cup!!