George S. Hamer, Jr.
George S. Hamer, Jr. was born October 15, 1922. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army in WWII, he attended the University of Georgia where heplayed on the golf team with great distinction and served as captain. He was later tutored by the legendary Fred Haskins at the Country Club of Columbus where Mr. Hamer himself went on to mentor and encourage young golfers.
His many accomplishments include the prestigious “Triple Crown” in 1946 when he captured the National Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, the Southern Amateur and the All-American Amateur. In 1947, Mr. Hamer was the Georgia State Amateur Champion, a member of the U.S. Walker Cup Team and participated in the Master’s Golf Tournament. He went on to play in the Master’s again in 1947 and then was the Southeastern Amateur Champion in 1951 and 1952.
Often described as shy and humble, Mr. Hamer ultimately devoted himself to enthusiastically promoting junior golf. His contributions to the game include being a founding member, major contributor and lifetime supporter of the internationally recognized Fred Haskins Outstanding Collegiate Golfer Award, an award now in its 35th year. He also established and provided for an achievement award to recognize the most improved junior golfer of the year at the Country Club of Columbus. In recognition of his many accomplishments and contributions, Mr. Hamer was chosen to be honored with an on-site plaque at the Country Club. The only person designated for this distinction in the Club’s 95 year history.
A devoted family man, Mr. Hamer was married to his wife Leah for 44 years. Mr. Hamer passed away on January 20, 1992 at the age of 69.