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Joe Louis Barrow Jr. didn’t should look far for inspiration.
His father, Joe Louis (pictured, above), isn’t simply considered one of many best boxers of all time, however was one the primary African People to have a cultural influence in the USA.
Even on the golf course. In 1952, Louis, who was as obsessed with golf as he was about boxing, was invited to play as an novice within the San Diego Open. He’d develop into the primary African American to play in a PGA Tour occasion.
Following within the footsteps of his father, Joe Louis Barrow Jr. has additionally left an influence, parlaying a profitable enterprise profession into his position as CEO of The First Tee, a constructive youth growth group that introduces the sport of golf and its values, equivalent to honesty perseverance and sportsmanship, to younger individuals.
In 18 years on the helm of First Tee, Joe nurtured it right into a multimillion-dollar group with greater than 170 chapters throughout all 50 states, with a further three abroad. Since 1997, The First Tee has reached an estimated 13 million younger individuals, together with three-time PGA Tour winner Scott Piercy.
Underneath Joe’s management, First Tee’s community of chapters grew considerably; the Nationwide Faculty Program advanced from a pilot mission to full implementation in 1000’s of elementary colleges; and thru a partnership with the Division of Protection, The First Tee packages have been made accessible to kids of U.S. servicemen and ladies.
As a part of his objective of spreading smiles throughout children’ faces, in 2004 Joe oversaw the creation of The First Tee Open, a PGA Tour Champions occasion held at Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks and Spyglass Hill (previously Poppy Hills) that options the legends of golf competing side-by-side with First Tee juniors.
At the moment additionally serving on quite a lot of native and nationwide boards, together with the Nationwide Golf Basis and American Junior Golf Affiliation, Joe Louis Barrow Jr. was inducted into the Nationwide Black Golf Corridor of Fame in 2011 the place he joined his father.
In 2016, he was inducted into the NCGA Corridor of Fame. A 12 months later, he retired as CEO of First Tee. His legacy there, nonetheless, stays.
I’ve the best respect for Joe Barrow. He’s performed a unbelievable job of main The First Tee. With out Joe, The First Tee, I don’t assume, would have gotten the place it’s.”
– Jack Nicklaus, Trustee of The First Tee
“You’re the one which gave it [The First Tee] life, who gave it power. You’re the one who took these 9 values and inserted them into this system… You’ve performed an amazing job, Joe.”
– Gen. Collin Powell, Founding Chairman, America’s Promise Alliance
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