R. H. Sikes

Richard Horace Sikes (March 6, 1940 – November 2, 2023) was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and 1970s.

Early life and amateur career Sikes was born in Paris, Arkansas. He had a stellar amateur and college career as a member of the golf team at the University of Arkansas. He won the U.S. Amateur Public Links in 1961 and 1962. In 1963, he won the NCAA Championship, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur, and played on the victorious Walker Cup team. Sikes' victory at the NCAA Championship was the only Razorbacks national championship recognized by the NCAA until John McDonnell's track and field teams of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s started winning them, and Nolan Richardson's basketball program won the 1994 men's basketball crown.

Professional career In 1964, Sikes turned pro. He was victorious at the 1964 Sahara Invitational during his rookie season on the PGA Tour, and earned Golf Digest's Rookie of the Year Award.

Sikes played briefly on the Senior PGA Tour from 1990 to 1992. His best finish was a T-36 at the 1992 Raley's Senior Gold Rush.

Death Sikes died November 2, 2023. He was 83. His obituary stated he was a resident of Springdale, but did not specify he died there.

Awards and honors

In 1964, Sikes earned Golf Digests Rookie of the Year Award In 2002, Sikes was inducted into the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame

Amateur wins 1961 U.S. Amateur Public Links 1962 U.S. Amateur Public Links 1963 NCAA Championship (individual)

Professional wins (4) PGA Tour wins (2)

Other wins (2) 1962 Arizona Open (as an amateur) 1981 Southern California PGA Championship

U.S. national team appearancesAmateur' Walker Cup: 1963 (winners) Eisenhower Trophy: 1962 (winners) Americas Cup: 1963 (winners)