Phillip Archer was born on March 17th, 1972 in Warrington, England. He turned pro in 1991 and has made 10 trips to the Qualifying School. On only two occasions has he made his card through Q-School, the last occasion in 2002. Archer's best season came in 2006.

In 2005 Archer looked set to lose his place on the European Tour. However he made the last six cuts to finish 114th, one place inside the mark. Then in 2006 his game improved. In the first round of the Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open he needed a birdie at the last to shoot 59. He missed from 8 feet.