Joe Louis Barrow Jr., a longtime leader in the golf industry and dedicated advocate for youth development through the sport, has been honored with the 2024 William D. Richardson Award. Presented annually by the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) since 1948, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to golf.
Barrow, who served as CEO of The First Tee for 18 years, played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach to more than 1,200 golf courses, 9,000 schools, and over 1,000 after-school locations. His impact on junior golf extends beyond The First Tee, as he has also served on the boards of the National Golf Foundation and the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), helping shape the future of the game for young players.
"Joe has been a transformative leader in junior golf, dedicating his career to expanding access and opportunities for young players. His impact on the game is immeasurable, and we are proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor."
Barrow received 33.3 percent of the GWAA vote, standing out among a distinguished group of nominees that included renowned golf course architect Bill Coore, NBA star and golf ambassador Steph Curry, and acclaimed course designer Rees Jones.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to growing the game and creating opportunities for junior golfers, Barrow adds the William D. Richardson Award to a list of accolades that includes The First Tee’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. His leadership and dedication continue to leave a lasting impact on golf’s next generation.