The Florida Azalea Senior Amateur Championship returns to Palatka Golf Club from March 13–15, 2026, marking a significant entry on the senior amateur calendar. This 54-hole stroke-play event consistently draws a competitive field, testing players across all senior age divisions on a classic layout known for demanding precision.

Palatka Golf Club, a historic Donald Ross design, offers a distinctive challenge. Its primary defense lies in its undulating greens and strategic bunkering. As seen in last year’s event, where champion Joe Alfieri prevailed in a playoff at even par (210), scoring at Palatka generally hovers around par for the winner in favorable conditions. Alfieri’s final-round 66 demonstrated that low numbers are achievable, but critical late-round bogeys — such as Michael Kelley’s on the 17th — underscore the course’s ability to penalize slight misses under pressure. Players consistently emphasize that short-game execution and iron play are paramount here. The course demands strategic decision-making, particularly on approach shots, to avoid testing its tricky green complexes from difficult positions.

Last year’s results provide a benchmark for competitive scoring. Beyond Alfieri and Kelley’s even-par totals, the field demonstrated the course’s stern test. Mark Knecht finished 8-over and Rusty Strawn 11-over, highlighting that scores quickly escalate for those not consistently hitting greens in regulation or converting par saves. The event also features Super Senior (64–69), Legends (70–74), and Super Legends (75+) divisions, each vying for their respective titles and showcasing depth across age groups.