Dispatch from Augusta: Azaleas, pimento cheese, green jackets and such
Or: What I did for my spring break
Hey friends! I’ve got a TV show and (soon) a book out in the world, and I’d love for you to check them out. Watch “Home Turn,” my show with NASCAR Studios, right here. And prepare for the arrival of IRON IN THE BLOOD, the story of the Alabama-Auburn rivalry, dropping Aug. 26. More details here, pre-order below.
Shorter newsletter this week, as I’m on location in Augusta covering the Masters for Yahoo Sports. As always, it’s so gorgeous here that it almost seems unreal, and the perfect weather — high 60s, light breeze, abundant sunshine — complements the tournament so well that I’m fairly sure Augusta National Golf Club shaped the clouds to its own benefit.
As I write this, it’s Saturday morning, halfway through the tournament. Still anyone’s green jacket! Here’s what I’ve written so far this week:
An opening column on why the city of Augusta needs this year’s Masters more than ever before
How the city of Augusta and Augusta National climbed out of the devastation of last September’s hurricane
How Rory McIlroy deals with heartbreak (may be relevant later this week)
How Rory McIlroy broke everybody else’s heart on Day 1 (may not be relevant later this week)
The story of the Masters champion who went from an Argentine prison to Augusta National
The secret of Augusta National’s never-built 19th Hole
And, finally, the story of the amateur who decided it would be a good idea to pee in Rae’s Creek. Man, I have a weird job.
Outside of the written word, I’ve been goofing around with TikTok, experimenting with some ideas and techniques. (No dancing. Never dancing.) So far, the response has been encouraging. Here, for instance, is a look at the magnificent peach ice cream sandwich:
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A “review” of the famous pimento cheese sandwich:
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A food hack involving several favorite Masters items:
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The story of the most painful loss in Masters history:
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The 19th hole story, in TikTok form:
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And, of course, the secret Masters merchandise you can’t buy:
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Much more to come from Augusta, including, you know, the winner. Back to the usual strangeness, music and stunt food next week. Come on back and hang!
—Jay
Land Cat, Georgia
This is issue #159 of Flashlight & A Biscuit. Check out all the past issues right here. Feel free to email me with your thoughts, tips and advice. If you’re new around here, jump right to our most-read stories, or check out some of our recent hits:
Home Turn, our new show for NASCAR Studios, is right here for you to watch:
The Pollening is upon us, abandon all hope
Let’s create an open-road playlist
Gasparilla is hell on earth and I can’t wait to go back
Our first documentary, on the famous Rama Jama’s diner in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
What does “Flashlight & A Biscuit” mean, anyway?
Keep in touch with me via Substack message:
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Hey Jay!
David E., from Texas here! Hope all is well! How can I get an autographed copy of Iron in the Blood for a friend of mine who is a diehard Bama fan? If it’s not possible I understand, but I’d love to add that personal touch and increase the value of the book at the same time!
David E.
dtellis22@yahoo.com