Plaid Nation: where tartan is always in style

At most professional golf tournaments, spectators blend into the background. At the RBC Heritage, they are part of the show.

Each April, thousands of fans arrive at Harbour Town Golf Links dressed in bold tartan patterns, transforming the course into a sea of red, black, green and blue. Known as “Plaid Nation,” the tradition has become one of the most recognizable in professional golf and a defining feature of the tournament’s identity.

That fan-driven atmosphere has earned national recognition. The PGA TOUR named the RBC Heritage its 2025 “Most Fan First Event,” highlighting the tournament’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience for every attendee.

“The RBC Heritage sets the standard for a fan-forward event by providing a world-class experience for every attendee, regardless of ticket type,” said Angela McSwain, marketing and communications director. “With a diverse array of ticket options and hospitality venues, fans enjoy premier amenities, seamless logistics, engaging activities and exceptional viewing opportunities throughout the tournament. With ‘Plaid Nation’ making up the event’s loyal fanbase, the event has become a weeklong celebration rooted in Southern hospitality.”

The plaid tradition dates to the tournament’s founding in 1969, when organizers awarded the winner a tartan jacket inspired by Scottish golf heritage. Over time, that symbol extended beyond the players and into the galleries, as fans adopted plaid attire as a way to take part in the experience.

The celebration peaks during the third round, known as Plaid Nation Day, when spectators are encouraged to wear plaid and participate in themed activities that highlight the connection between the tournament and its audience.
Beyond its distinctive look, Plaid Nation reflects a broader sense of community. The RBC Heritage, one of the longest-running events on the PGA TOUR, is known for its relaxed atmosphere and close interaction between players and fans.

Many attendees return year after year, treating the tournament as both a sporting event and a social tradition. Families, longtime residents and visitors from across the country take part in activities that extend beyond the course, including local events and charitable initiatives throughout Hilton Head Island.

The Heritage Classic Foundation, which organizes the tournament, has long emphasized the importance of community in shaping the event. Plaid Nation remains a defining element that sets the RBC Heritage apart from other stops on the tour.

While professional golf remains at the center of the week, the tournament’s identity is shaped just as much by the fans who fill the course in plaid.
For many, wearing plaid is more than a nod to tradition. It is a way to be part of it.