Joe Alfieri Cruises to Senior Azalea Title at Palatka

Joe Alfieri delivered a commanding performance to win the Senior Azalea Championship at Palatka Golf Club, finishing at 10-under-par 200 and winning by ten strokes.

The Lutz, Florida standout set the tone early with a 3-under 67 in the opening round before taking firm control of the tournament with the low round of the event — a second-round 66. Entering the final round with a sizeable advantage, Alfieri closed with another 67 to cap a dominant three-day performance of 67-66-67.

Steve Albright of Ocala finished runner-up at even-par 210, closing with a final-round 68 after rounds of 71-71.

Two players shared third place at 5-over 215. Chad Ibbotson of Sanford, Florida posted rounds of 69-76-70, while Michael Kelley of Tampa climbed into the tie with rounds of 74-73-68.

Keith Kepley of Charlotte, North Carolina, rounded out the top five at 6-over 216.

Alfieri’s victory adds another chapter to one of the most decorated careers in Florida amateur golf. A four-time Florida State Golf Association Amateur Player of the Year and Florida Open champion, Alfieri has long been a fixture in elite amateur competition.

Now competing in senior events, he continues to show the same form that has defined his career for decades. His performance at Palatka — the only player in the field to reach double digits under par — demonstrated both his experience and consistency against a strong senior field.

The win further solidifies Alfieri’s standing as one of the most accomplished amateur players in Florida golf history.