The first week in April is officially azalea season. It's no wonder these colorful shrubs stemming from the rhododendron family have become synonymous with the South. We've all admired the eye-popping pink, purple, red and white blossoms in full bloom behind The Golden Bell at Augusta. This vivid display combined with picture-perfect fairways and white sands marks the unofficial start of spring for most golfers.
Two decades before ANGC was imagined, golfers were enjoying azaleas and a Seth Raynor design at The Country Club of Charleston, which is 150 miles southeast of Augusta. The club embraced their native azalea plants and began The Tournament of Gardens, which was later named The Azalea Invitational, with the help of legendary player and coach Henry Picard, CC of C.
We wanted to learn more about the provenance of The Azalea Invitational, so we traveled to Charleston last month to sit down with current Director of Golf, Matt Bova. Matt was kind enough to provide background on the club and tournament while giving us a firsthand look at the property.
View the final 2024 Azalea Invitational results here.
