Joseph C. "Joe" Dey, Jr. (November 17, 1907 – March 3, 1991) was an American golf administrator. He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Dey was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. A skilled amateur golfer, Dey took an early job as sportswriter for Philadelphia newspapers and magazines, eventually specializing in golf, and covered the final leg of Bobby Jones's Grand Slam at Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia in 1930. Soon afterwards, Dey was approached by the United States Golf Association and offered a job helping to run its New York office. Dey served as Executive Director of the USGA from 1934 to 1968, during a period of extraordinary growth in the sport. He played a key role in meetings between the USGA and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in the early 1950s, to synchronize the rules of golf around the world.
Following his retirement from the USGA, Dey was asked to serve as the first Commissioner of the PGA Tour, after the tournament players broke away from the PGA of America. He held that position from 1969 until 1974, when he was succeeded by Deane Beman. Dey was the instigator of The Players Championship, which was first held in 1974.
After retirement, he held the honorary position of Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for 1975.[1]
Since 1996, the USGA has given out the Joe Dey Award in recognition of meritorious service to the game of golf as a volunteer.
| Preceded by None |
Commissioner of the PGA Tour 1969-1974 |
Succeeded by Deane Beman |