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 Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of the World Golf Foundation's The First Tee organization, has been named "Father of the Year" by the National Father & Son Team Classic, an annual golf tournament celebrating the father-son bond.
"Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is a dedicated national and community civic leader who has devoted so much of his life in nurturing the youth of this country,” stated Ryan Hart, tournament director. “We are extremely honored to have him as our Father of the Year for the 2009 event.”
The National Father & Son Executive Tournament Committee bestowed the honor upon Barrow on behalf of the world's largest father-son golf event, which will be held for the 12th time this year on some of Myrtle Beach's most requested golf courses.
As CEO, Barrow, who is the son of boxing legend Joe Louis, directs all activities of The First Tee, a positive youth development initiative of the World Golf Foundation. Barrow, as executive vice president of the World Golf Foundation, is responsible for the World Golf Foundation Development function and U.S. Government relations.
Through a network of 206 nonprofit Chapters in 49 states and five international locations, The First Tee is impacting the lives of young people by developing educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values such as perseverance, integrity, judgment, and confidence using golf as the platform.
Since its inception in 1997, more than 2.9 million participants have been exposed to the core values and life skills taught through The First Tee. The network includes more than 690 program locations, nearly 1,100 affiliate relationships with established golf courses, as well as 2,700 elementary schools engaged through The First Tee National School Program.
On his 60th birthday Barrow played 60 holes of golf, a personal challenge to his health, walking and staying fit. Besides golf, Barrow also enjoys biking and quite often you can find the three of them on local trails.
Barrow holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Denver. In May 2003, Georgetown College awarded Barrow an honorary Doctor of Law degree for his community service and involvement.
Barrow currently is a board member of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, American Junior Golf Association, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (chair), and Baptist Health Systems in Jacksonville.
Barrow and his wife, Amy, have a beautiful 2-year-old daughter Julia Lynn, along with a stepson, Phillip, age 21.
Past “Father of the Year” honorees include Joe Black and Gary Schaal, former presidents of the Professional Golfers Association of America, Lou Holtz, former head football coach at the University of South Carolina and current ESPN analyst, Jim Hodges, former South Carolina Governor, Happ Lathrop, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Golf Association, Dal Shealy, the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cecil Brandon, the “Father of Myrtle Beach Golf”, Bobby Richardson, 1960 World Series MVP and Mickey McCamish, former executive director of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.
About The Father & Son Team Classic
This three-day family event has become the largest father-son golf tournament in the world. The 2008 event drew more than 1,400 players from 44 states and eight countries. Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons-in-law; and uncles and nephews.
For additional information on the Martin’s PGA Tour Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic call 866-497-2627 or visit www.fathersongolf.com.
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.9 million participants in 49 states and five international locations – Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore. Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman. The First Tee Founding Partners are the Augusta National Golf Club, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour and the USGA.
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