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see also: Florida Azalea Amateur, Palatka Golf Club
One of Florida’s longest-running amateur traditions returns March 20–22 with a deep championship field and Donald Ross challenge.
The 69th Florida Azalea Amateur returns to Palatka Golf Club this weekend, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1958 and has long served as a proving ground for elite amateur talent.
The Championship Flight will be contested March 20–22, 2026, with players navigating one of the most demanding short-course setups in the Southeast. Despite measuring just over 6,000 yards, Palatka’s classic Donald Ross design puts a premium on precision, discipline, and short-game execution.
Schedule & Format
The Championship Flight will be played over three days:
• Friday, March 20 – Shotgun start at 8:00 AM & 1:00 PM
• Saturday, March 21 – Shotgun start at 8:00 AM & 1:00 PM
• Sunday, March 22 – Tee times begin at 8:00 AM
A 36-hole cut will determine the players advancing to Sunday’s final round.
Players and spectators can also expect a welcoming tournament atmosphere, with lunch served daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Originally designed by Donald Ross in 1925, Palatka Golf Club remains one of the most nuanced tests in amateur golf:
• Small, elevated greens demand precision iron play
• Strategic bunkering punishes missed targets
• Firm, fast putting surfaces reward patience and touch
At just 6,000 yards, the course is not overpowering—but it consistently identifies players who can manage their game under pressure.
A Historic Proving Ground
The Florida Azalea’s legacy includes players who have gone on to achieve success at the highest levels of the game:
• Tommy Aaron (1960 team champion) – Winner of the 1973 Masters
• Bob Murphy (1965–66 champion) – 11-time PGA Tour winner and longtime NBC analyst
From its origins as a two-man team event to today’s individual championship format, the Azalea has maintained its reputation as one of Florida’s most respected amateur competitions.
What to Watch
• Course management over power – Palatka neutralizes distance advantage
• Short-game excellence – Winners separate themselves on and around the greens
• Weather factor – Always a variable in March, as seen in 2025
With a full field expected and ideal early-season stakes, the 2026 edition should deliver another compelling chapter in Azalea history.
The Florida Azalea was started in 1958 as a two-man team tourney. The field has, over the years, boasted players who have gone on to greatness at the professional level. Tommy Aaron, who teamed with Dan Sykes for the 1960 Florida Azalea team title, w...
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