Q&A with Sir Willie Innes / local golf icon
Sure, “real” Sir Willie Innes may have lived several hundred years ago but try telling that to the thousands of golf fans who flock to the island for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing every year.
Ask them about Sir Willie and they’ll tell you he’s very much alive and representing the spirit of the tournament that has come to define Hilton Head Island.
A fixture at the tournament, you’ll see Sir Willie all over Harbour Town in his signature tartan jacket, black hat and wooden golf club taking selfies with fans and adding to the festival atmosphere. We took a few moments to ask everyone’s favorite mascot about the Heritage, his impeccable fashion and the secrets of his ageless appeal.
Q: What’s your handicap?
A: That’s easy: an Arnold Palmer – half sweet tea, half lemonade. I like to swig one back just before teeing off on a sun-soaked Saturday morning.
Q: What’s your favorite Heritage memory?
A: How much time do you have? With such a rich heritage, there are so many cherished memories! But off the top of my black-brimmed hat, here’s a legendary one: before you were born my dear, I made a hole-in-one on the 18th green. No one remembers but me, and sure it happened 147 years ago, but I remember it clear as the lighthouse on a sunny day.
And I have oodles of memories from Saturdays during RBC Heritage week. That’s when we celebrate Plaid Nation Day. We get mad about plaid! There are contests and games for kids of all ages and I’m not certain, but perhaps, just maybe a drink or two to be had.
Q: We know you love Heritage plaid, but aren’t you ever tempted to sneak an Innes tartan into the outfit somewhere?
A: How dare you question my fealty? Now you’ve got my knickers all in a knot! I am forever and always loyal to my plaid heritage. End of story.
Q: Not that the knickers and coat don’t look fabulous, but have you ever been tempted to swap them out for something a little more breathable? Particularly when it’s in the 90s, for example?
A: I perspire in plaid, so it’s all good. It’s all in a day’s work, and sweat is the name of the game. Besides, Gold Bond is my middle name.
Q: Haggis: yea or nay? No judgment either way, we think it’s delicious.
A: Repulsive. I’m a sausage-link lad.
Q: What other sports mascot would you want to enjoy a round of golf with?
A: Give me a golf cart and a round of 18 with the Clemson Tiger. I’d like to show him a thing or two about how real sports roll.
Q: How do you keep your youthful looks at your advanced age (I believe you’re pushing 230 years old at this point, but you don’t look a day over 180)?
A: I live on island time, and in the legendary years of the RBC Heritage, I’m ageless.
