Inspired by the azaleas, here's a closer look at the flowers most associated with Augusta National and some azalea golf themed products you can buy
Azaleas go with Augusta National, like peanut butter goes with jelly (jam) or Ken goes with Barbie, iconic and unforgettable. For some, the anticipation of seeing who will pull on the green jacket is matched by the desire to see the course itself. Gone are the days of waiting to Masters week with the Augusta National Women's Amateur taking place the week before. However, the first glimpse of those azaleas is often the marker of the start of the golf season, for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere.
Each hole at Augusta is named after a plant, tree or flower and the 13th is the one that holds the name that we're most familiar with when it comes to Augusta National (or maybe that's pimento cheese)
13th Hole - Azalea
This Rhododendron specie may be seen in many forms on the course, with over 30 varieties present. Native species and many of the rare older plants are also present. The flowering period ranges from March through mid-April. From tee to green, this hole is flanked on its south side by approximately 1,600 azaleas, including many different species and cultivars.
States the official description on the Masters website.
The Augusta Chronicle also gives a little more insight:
The type of azalea most commonly associated with the Augusta area is the Indica azalea. Indica azaleas are native to Japan and first arrived into the south via Charleston. These azaleas and will grow 8 to 12 feet tall and wide with an awesome display of red, pink, white, purple, and salmon blooms.
Azalea-themed golf products
With azaleas firmly on our mind, we thought we'd share a few highlights of azalea print golf products that are currently available to purchase:
COBRA Golf introduced a new, limited edition DARKSPEED SEASON OPENER driver in celebration of golf’s first major. Like the in-line DARKSPEED models, the LE driver features groundbreaking aerodynamic shaping, a re-engineered PWR-BRIDGE™, and advanced A.I. designed PWRSHELL™ H.O.T. Face™ technology.
While vibrant colors usually define golf’s inaugural major, this year, darkness reigns supreme. The new DARKSPEED LS SEASON OPENER limited edition driver combines a unique colorway with Azaleas on the sole and Augusta green highlights for a festive, spring feel. Paired with an exclusive shaft and headcover, this driver makes a statement in both looks and performance.
Kick off the Major season in style with Callaway's Limited Edition springtime-inspired flower pattern celebrating the iconic April Major.
Chrome Tour is the new gold standard in Tour balls. From core to cover, every detail has been optimized for the better player seeking distance and feel.
1. Exceptionally Fast Ball Speeds
2. Consistent Ball Flight
3. Incredible Greenside Spin and Control
When Bad Birdie started, they gave golfers something they’d never had before. A bold print polo ready to disrupt an old game, invite people in, and create a new community of players.
A polo as beautiful as the Azalea, guaranteed.
Bad Birdie's roots. The original printed polo that put them on the map. The polo that has brought new light to an old game, while providing every performance feature every golfer needs.
Azalea Rope Hat from Bad Birdie
Tip your cap to the official flower of golf.
The same makeup as their classic rope hats. Comprised of 100% recycled nylon, but this time finished with the mark of the greatest of them all: Amateurs.
Finished with the classic rope.
The new men's J.Lindeberg Tour collection's design takes inspiration from the lush azalea flowers lining the iconic 13th hole, featuring a sophisticated palette of black, grey, and red, accented with a distinct tropical print. The limited-edition pieces bridge modern sophistication and functional excellence, and use stretchy, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying fabrics that are certified by either OEKO-TEX® or bluesign®.
"This capsule is a modern, edgy take on the traditional aesthetics ofThe Masters, and is engineered from innovative fabrics for topperformance, mirroring the excellence the tournament stands for," says Neil Lewty, Chief Creative Officer.
This towel from Bunker Mentality will never go out of fashion - part of their Bunker Azalea collection.
Picture coming down the 18th sporting this Masters inspired towel.
This tour size towel is perfect to keep your clubs and ball clean while out playing and still show off your bunker style. The large surface area provides plenty of cleaning space.
The bright Pink Azelea has been printed on one side of the towel, while the vibrant hot pink colour and logo is on the reverse.
It's nearly time to settle in, enjoy the golf and, of course, the beautiful azaleas!
