Many of us knew and admired George Archer, and here is a chance to get together and celebrate his life. The George Archer Memorial Stroke of Genius Pro-Am, will be held on Monday, October 27, 2008, at The Peninsula G&CC, near San Mateo, CA. George began his golf career at the PGCC, as a caddy, when he was about 12, learning to play in caddy tournaments, and later on, under the watchful eye of Bud Ward and some of the members, was nurtured, cared for and appreciated. His closest family members are convinced that George Archer's association with this superb Donald Ross golf course, literally saved his life as he struggled in his teen years with a disability that was little understood at the time.
George Archer had a secret. It was a serious problem and it affected his entire life. He could not read or write beyond the third grade level. In the climate of his time, the problem was rarely voiced, and he had few with whom he could discuss the fact that he was functionally illiterate, and when he died September 25, 2005, he was still unable to read very well.
George made it clear before he died, that although he insisted on secrecy before his death, he wanted his family to share the fact of his illiteracy with the public because he believed that the revelation might help and inspire others. His life demonstrated that an individual could succeed at the highest level WITHOUT overcoming a handicap, rather IN SPITE of it.
It is the hope of his family to provide, through the George Archer Memorial Foundation for Literacy, scholarships to be used for the diagnosis of learning and/or reading problems in the first or second grade, and the subsequent hiring of special tutors with training specific to reading problem diagnosis who will work consistently with the student to resolve the specific problem.
Entry Fee: $1,650 per team (3 Amateurs; One PGA Professional)
$500 per individual Amateur player, $150 per Professional
$200 per additional Non-Playing Dinner Guest
Individual Amateurs or Professionals not entering as a team will be paired by the Committee
The Honorary Chairmen for the Tournament are Jim Langley and Dave Stockton. Both of these men were close to George, for additional information or entry forms, contact Head Golf Professional Tom Toschi, PGA at the Peninsula Golf & Country Club (650) 638-2300.