Meet Sir Willie: The RBC Heritage Mascot Bringing Plaid Tradition to Hilton Head
The wit and wisdom of golf’s most gallant mascot
Willie 3.0 is the third “Sir Willie,” the unofficial mascot of the RBC Heritage and the PGA Tour’s only mascot. His image and costume — red tartan cloak, frilled blouse, white knickers, white stockings, black-brimmed hat and buckle shoes — are prominently featured throughout the tournament grounds and on the website. Willie is named for Sir William Innes, an 18th-century historical figure who loved golf.
Q: How long have you been Sir Willie 3.0? A: Since the year of our Lord 2010, I have graced these fair Lowcountry grounds in my present incarnation. The Willie tradition, however, predates my current mortal form. I am but the third steward of a spirit far older — a lineage of red tartan and righteous enthusiasm stretching back to the very bones of the tournament itself. You see, Sir Willie is not so much “appointed” as summoned. When the palm fronds begin to stir and the bagpipes whisper on the breeze, I simply … appear. 3.0 is but a modern designation. The soul? Entirely 18th century.
Q: I understand you never break character when roaming the tournament grounds. Is that true? A: Break character? My dear friend. I am the character. There is no curtain call. No backstage. No secret zipper, even on the hottest of days. Believe me, I’ve looked. When I step upon those cobblestones of Harbour Town, when the cannon booms and the crowd roars, that is not performance. That is storied heritage. That is tartan tradition. That is destiny in white stockings. From first handshake to final sunset stroll, I remain Sir William Innes — golfer, gentleman, ambassador of cheer. One does not remove nobility like a pair of knickers.
Q: Do you have a special technique or mantra that you employ so as not to break character? A: Indeed. I breathe in the salty air. I feel the weight of the cloak. I imagine the year 1780 whispering in my ear. Also, I never underestimate the power of a well-timed bow. When uncertain, bow. When amused, bow deeper. When someone asks for a TikTok dance … bow, then oblige with restrained Scottish enthusiasm. The tartan does the rest.
Q: What is the length of time for each shift during tournament week? A: Sir Willie makes his rounds in gallant intervals of various lengths. A gentleman must conserve his splendor, you see. One cannot dazzle indefinitely without a brief retreat to rehydrate and consult the royal mirror. The cloak, while magnificent, is no small undertaking in the Carolina sun. Even 18th-century nobility requires the occasional reprieve, preferably involving sweet tea and strategic shade.
Q: What is the strangest request you’ve ever had? A: Oh, where to begin? I have been asked to bless golf balls, to officiate mock weddings, to settle wagers between brothers. Once, a gentleman asked if I might adopt him into Scottish nobility on the spot. I knighted him with a stick and featheries.
Q: Guesstimate how many photos you pose for during tournament week. A: If I were to hazard a noble estimate? Several thousand. From sunrise practice rounds to the Sunday crescendo, Sir Willie’s likeness is captured more often than the lighthouse, I daresay. Families, players, caddies, corporate titans, toddlers in plaid. I stand for them all. By week’s end my cheeks ache from smiling, and my buckle shoes have logged more steps than a marathoner’s. And yet, I would pose for one more. Always.
Q: When you are not Sir Willie, what else do you do to pass time? A: My dear! I am always Sir Willie. But when the cannon quiets and Harbour Town returns to its gentle rhythm, I am known to wander the Lowcountry breeze with a club in hand, practicing my swing beneath the Spanish moss. I study the history of the game. I polish my buckles. I ensure the tartan remains tournament ready. I am a custodian of joy. A roaming ambassador of plaid. A reminder that golf need not be so terribly serious. For what is the RBC Heritage without a little fun? Without a wink? Without a gentleman in stockings tipping his hat and declaring, “Welcome, friends. Let us make memories.” And with that, I bid you good day.
