Joe Louis Barrow Jr. has been involved in the game of golf ever since watching his legendary father play in the 1952 San Diego Open.

His dad, Joe Louis Sr., is better known for knocking out people in the boxing ring, but he also is remembered for kicking open the door for African Americans to play on the PGA Tour.

“The (Caucasian-only) clause was changed thanks to Joe Louis,” said Barrow, bearing a striking resemblance to his famous father. “My father was responsible for opening up the game."

Barrow carries the legacy of his father’s involvement in and love of golf as the CEO of The First Tee, a  youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its values to young people.

Barrow was in Pensacola this week to take part in First Tee of Northwest Florida’s Divot Award ceremony and banquet.

On Friday, Barrow shared a lunch with Northwest Florida’s First Tee board of directors at Jackson’s to talk about strategic planning, fundraising and community outreach.

Barrow, a former president and CEO of Izzo Systems, a golf products firm, has parlayed his executive skills into his passion of golf and help young people.

Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has reached more than 4 million young people in every state and six international countries.

At home, First Tee of Northwest Florida serves more than 1,000 youngsters in five counties, from Escambia to Bay.

In the meeting, Barrow stressed the goals and mission of First Tee, emphasizing the importance of growing organizations and developing curriculum that will keep young people interested and engaged.

“It’s about character development,” he said. “We’re teaching young people courtesy, respect and confidence. If they don’t respect themselves, they won’t respect others.”

Barrow reminded board members that they have an opportunity to truly impact their community by reaching at-risk kids and teaching them life skills and positive values.

Over the past year, First Tee's nationally has increased to 175 chapters in 7,000 schools across 1,000 school districts, Barrow said. First Tee wants to reach 10 million young people by 2017, and increase their regions from eight to 10, Barrows said.

“The more people who hear about First Tee of Northwest Florida, the more people will learn about its positive impact,” Barrow said. “We’re a growth organization, not a stagnant organization, and we want to have a positive impact on young people."

Marty Stanovich, executive director of The First Tee of Northwest Florida, was excited to have Barrow In Pensacola to share his vision and be a part of the Divot Derby.

“He is one of those rare men who has taken the legacy of his father and expanded it,” Stanovich said. “His leadership has been instrumental and he is an incredible visionary."