News Summary
Inman, a junior from Dwyer High School, achieved an impressive 2-under par finish at the Florida Azalea Amateur Tournament. Competing against skilled peers at the historic Palatka Golf Club, he faced a weather delay and still came out on top, showcasing his talent and strategic play. This win marks a significant milestone in his growing golf career, following a strong showing at the Dixie Men’s Amateur.
Sam Inman Shines at Florida Azalea Amateur Tournament
In the charming city of Palatka, Florida, excitement buzzed around the historic Palatka Golf Club as Sam Inman, a junior from Dwyer High School, clinched a remarkable victory at the Florida Azalea Amateur Tournament. With impressive rounds of 70 and 68, Inman finished the event at 2-under par, paving his way to triumph against a field of skilled competitors.
The tournament, known for its competitive spirit and tradition—dating back to 1958—took a dramatic turn during the final round. After just three holes played, the skies opened up, and a lightning horn rang, leading to a two-hour weather delay. During this pause, tournament officials made the decision to classify the event as a 36-hole tournament, meaning Inman’s stellar performance earned him a solo victory, despite a handful of holes left unplayed.
For Inman, this win was more than just a trophy; it was a tremendous confidence booster. As he noted, successfully managing to score pars while limiting bogeys was critical on the course’s challenging greens. He strategically aimed for the center of these greens on his par holes and aggressively targeted pin placements that he found friendly, allowing him to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
A highlight of his round was the par-5 holes, which Inman seized as golden chances to score better. His tactical play made all the difference in an event that tested every player’s skills. Competing against strong collegiate players not only showcased his talent but also reinforced his ambition to excel in the sport.
Interestingly, Inman was the last competitor to sign up for the tournament, making his victory even sweeter as it marked his first experience on the Palatka Golf Club course, which is revered for its small greens, well-placed bunkers, and firm, fast greens. Originally designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1925, this course may only measure to 6000 yards from the tips, but don’t let its length fool you—it provided challenges that tripped up even seasoned players.
In second place was Luke Balaskiewicz from Jacksonville, who finished the tournament at 1-under par. Following closely behind in a tie for third were Bryan Hernandez-Merejo of Kissimmee, Alexandre Vandermoten from France, and Jonah Nacional of St. Augustine, all finishing at even-par.
Before this fantastic win, Inman also made headlines with a T2 finish at the 2024 Dixie Men’s Amateur, displaying a consistent upward trajectory in his golfing career. With plans to pursue his education at the University of South Florida in 2026, Inman is not only looking to excel academically but is also on a path of growth within the sport he loves.
The Florida Azalea Amateur Tournament has been a stepping stone for many golfers who eventually made their mark at a professional level, including the legendary Tommy Aaron, the 1973 Masters winner. Inman’s latest victory demonstrates that he too is a name to watch in the future of competitive golf.
As he celebrated his victory, one can’t help but feel that this is just the beginning for Sam Inman, a young athlete who continues to make waves in the golfing community while paving his way to success.
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Additional Resources
- Amateur Golf: Wylie Inman wins weather-shortened Florida Azalea Amateur
- Wikipedia: Florida Azalea Amateur
- Palatka Daily News: Florida Azalea Amateur Open
- Google Search: Florida Azalea Amateur
- Amateur Golf: Joe Alfieri wins the 2025 Florida Azalea Senior Amateur
- Google Scholar: Florida Azalea Amateur
- Legacy: William Mutchie Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida Golf
- Golf.com: Muni Mondays – Palatka
- Google News: Palatka Golf Club
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
