Volunteers Sue and Willow Harvey bring heart to the Kroger Queen City Championship
By Kayla Berenson
A fluke brought volunteer Sue Harvey to Cincinnati from Canada for the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G. But it’s the feeling of family that keeps her coming back each year.
“It’s like a family reunion type situation,” Harvey said. “Not just with the Outlyr team, but all the different volunteers, and the players. I don't know how many hugs I've gotten today saying, ‘See you in August.’”
Harvey is one of the tournament’s most recognizable volunteers, for both her friendly demeanor and her service dog, Willow. As a disabled veteran, Harvey says Willow is there to help her at tournaments like this one.
Harvey serves as the co-chair in the practice facility, while Willow has become a fan, volunteer and player favorite with an unofficial role of her own: mental health coordinator. Each morning, the two make sure caddies are taken care of and deliver bibs to them on the first and 10th tees.
“I joke to the people that don't give me their bibs back, I say, ‘you just want the VIP treatment of Willow delivering it to you,’” said Harvey. “And sure enough, she gives it a little extra sniff to make sure it's good. She’s unofficially there, holding onto the boxes as we drive and just having a good old time.”
Harvey and Willow travel from Alberta, Canada, where Harvey runs Driving Foreward, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and first responders improve their mental health through the game of golf. Harvey cofounded the nonprofit after her experience going through mental health struggles.
She says the organization, and her love of the sport, were born out of a “dark experience.”
“I forced myself to do something normal, and it was to go golf,” she said. “And it really helped me understand the power of the game and how it's so much more than a game in terms of what it can do to transform your mental health. So I created a program out of that from the ground up, and we've been helping transform lives ever since.”
She stays motivated and involved during the long Canadian winter through an indoor golf league. She also works with partners across Canada to create golf-centered, approachable content highlighting mental health techniques for people who may be struggling.
Golf continues to be Harvey’s grounding hobby, and she says those closest to her can see the impact it has on her life.
The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G also plays a big role in Harvey’s mental health. Returning to Cincinnati this year meant more to Harvey than simply volunteering at another tournament.
She says this event has become a “must-do” on her calendar.
“It's just that family, that sense of belonging in being here, that I want more of it,” Harvey said. “It just boosts me so much, and I love it. I love every moment of it and appreciate every moment of it.”
