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.
Defending Champion Storyline
Last year’s championship saw Wylie Inman claim the title in dramatic fashion after weather shortened the event to 36 holes. The North Palm Beach native posted rounds of 70-68 (-2) and held the lead when play was suspended and ultimately canceled due to lightning.
Inman’s strategic approach—prioritizing pars, smart targets, and capitalizing on par-5 opportunities—proved to be the winning formula on Palatka’s firm, fast greens.
Whether Inman returns to defend his title or not, his performance underscores the type of disciplined golf required to win at Palatka.
The Course: A Classic Ross Test
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.