Joe Louis Barrow Jr., retired CEO of the First Tee and one of golf’s true nice guys, was recently honored by PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and retired Commissioner Tim Finchem with a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the First Tee’s 25th anniversary in Dallas. Barrow led the nonprofit organization from 2000 to 2017.
Under his leadership, First Tee expanded its network of Chapters, which now stands at 150. The organization also launched its School and Community Programs, which serve millions of kids who may not have access to a golf course.
“While at First Tee, Joe was appropriately called the ‘Chief Evangelist,’ because he was always sharing a great story about the impact First Tee had on a particular young person,” said Monahan, who also serves as Chair for the First Tee Board of Governors. “Joe led with many strengths, but perhaps his greatest was ensuring that the kids remained at the heart of every decision.”
Barrow was CEO when First Tee launched its first national participant event, the Life Skills and Leadership Academy. In 2021 the event was renamed the Game Changers Academy, honoring Barrow, Jr., and evolved to address challenges teens face in their daily lives, including social justice issues and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” said Barrow. “And I am deeply proud of the positive impact First Tee has had over the years. It wouldn’t have been possible without my dedicated colleagues, the coaches and Chapter staff, and supporters who believed in our mission.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was one of several awards First Tee presented in Dallas during the organization’s Network Summit held Nov. 16-18. The Summit brought together representatives from First Tee’s network of 150 chapters to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary and continue building momentum for the future with workshops, training and peer-to-peer networking.
Photo: Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. (Bradley Newton)