It was a special night in Dallas for Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
The former CEO of the First Tee earned a big honor Thursday from the organization, which was hosting a network summit to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Barrow was presented the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and former commissioner Tim Finchem presented the award to Barrow.
Barrow led the First Tee from 2000 until 2017. Under his leadership, First Tee expanded its network of chapters across the country and witnessed incredible growth. The organization also launched school and community programs, which serve millions 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 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 Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., and evolved to address challenges teens face in their daily lives, including social justice issues and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Barrow took on his role as CEO while First Tee was in its infancy. The nonprofit – which teaches life skills through the game of golf – was first announced by Finchem and other leaders from the golf industry at a Central Park press conference on Nov. 13, 1997. A quarter century later, the organization has served millions of kids.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” Barrow said. “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 gathering 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 robust workshops, training and peer-to-peer networking.
Former President George W. Bush, an honorary chair of First Tee, and Will Zalatoris each made an appearance.