Phil is considered to be the first male from the Northwest to gain national recognition in tennis.

In 1919, he was the national junior doubles runner-up. That same year, he was the Pacific Northwest singles champion.

In 1920, he won the British Columbia men’s singles championship.

The next year, while at Sanford University, he won the National Intercollegiate (NCAA) singles championship. He was the first champion from the West coast. In 1922, he won the NCAA doubles championship with James Davies from Stanford University.

The Neer family - - Phil and brothers Jacie and Henry, also Jack, son of Jacie have all been prominent in Portland tennis.