Rick Sirmon
Class of 2017
Rick Sirmon’s connection to golf began so early it seemed destined. A childhood photograph from 1951 shows him as a toddler wearing a Ben Hogan cap and carrying a small golf bag—a fitting image for a lifelong journey in the game.
After moving to Huntsville in 1958, Sirmon lived adjacent to Huntsville Country Club, where he spent countless hours honing his skills. His talent quickly became evident. As a ninth grader, he earned medalist honors in the City Jaycee Tournament, repeating his success the following year and finishing near the top in state competition alongside future PGA star Hubert Green.
Recognizing his exceptional ability, Butler High School coach Glynn Stowe and principal J. Homer Crim arranged a unique academic schedule that allowed Sirmon to leave school early to practice daily. The decision paid dividends. In 1965, he won the City Junior tournament with a remarkable final-round 65 and later had the unforgettable experience of caddying for Arnold Palmer during a Huntsville exhibition.
Sirmon continued his career at the University of Alabama, where he walked on, earned a scholarship, became a four-year letterman and co-captain, and achieved All-SEC honors. After college, he established himself as one of Alabama’s premier amateur golfers, winning numerous tournaments across the Southeast, capturing the 1975 Alabama Open, and consistently placing among the state’s best competitors.
Though he pursued a professional career and narrowly missed earning a PGA Tour card, Sirmon balanced his passion for golf with a successful career at BellSouth, where he worked for three decades. Even after retirement, he remained active in competitive golf, including a runner-up finish in the Alabama Senior Amateur.
Rick Sirmon’s legacy is defined by dedication, consistency, and a lifelong love of the game—qualities that earned him a well-deserved place in the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame.
Disclaimer: This feature was generated with the assistance of AI using provided materials and publicly available information, and based on biographies written by Board members the year the inductees were selected. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may require further verification.
