Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. had a memorable night in Dallas.
The organization presented a huge honor to Barrow, the former CEO of First Tee. It was hosting a summit to celebrate 25 years. Jay Monahan, former commissioner of the PGA Tour, presented the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Barrow.
From 2000 to 2017, Barrow was the First Tee’s leader. First Tee grew its national network of chapters and experienced incredible growth under his leadership. It also created school and community programs that reach millions of people who might not otherwise have access to a course.
Monahan, who is also Chair of the First Tee Board of Governors, said that Joe was the “Chief Evangelist” at First Tee because he shared great stories about how First Tee helped a young person. “Joe had many strengths but his greatest strength was making sure that children were at the center of every decision.”
First Tee’s first national participant event, Life Skills and Leadership Academy, was launched by Barrow. The Game Changers Academy was established in 2021 to honor Joe Louis Barrow Jr. and address the challenges teens face every day.
While First Tee was still in its early days, Barrow assumed the role of CEO. Finchem and other golf industry leaders announced the nonprofit, which teaches life skills through golf, at a Central Park press conference in 1997. The organization has helped millions of children over the past quarter century.
Barrow stated, “I am truly humbled” by the recognition. “And I am proud of the positive influence First Tee has had over time. Without my dedicated teammates, coaches, chapter staff, and supporters who believed strongly in our mission, it wouldn’t be possible.
First Tee awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award during its gathering in Dallas, Nov. 16-18. First Tee’s 150 chapters were represented at the summit, which was a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the organization and continued building momentum for the future through workshops, training, and peer-to-peer network.
Each of them made an appearance as an honorary chairperson of First Tee, former President George W. Bush and Will Zalatoris.
