Beaufort, SC, September 19, 2025

News Summary

The passing of iconic actor and director Robert Redford at 89 has sparked memories in Beaufort, where he filmed ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance.’ Redford’s connection to Beaufort dates back 26 years, as his project helped elevate the town’s profile in the film industry. Community members recall his approachable and congenial demeanor during filming, making a lasting impression on local property owners and residents alike. As the news of his death spreads, the town remembers the significant ties between Redford and its picturesque landscape.

Beaufort Remembers Robert Redford: A Connection Through ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’

Beaufort, SC – Robert Redford, the iconic actor and film director, passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday. His connection to Beaufort dates back 26 years to when he filmed “The Legend of Bagger Vance” in the area, a project that not only showcased his creative vision but also elevated Beaufort’s profile in the film industry.

Dan Rogers, a senior project manager for the South Carolina Film Commission, recalled his experience serving as Redford’s driver for two days during location scouting for the film. Rogers noted that Beaufort was the first location where Redford and his team convened to gauge their creative vision for the film. Redford was picked up at the Rhett House Inn, a historic 200-year-old antebellum house located on Craven Street.

Throughout the production, Redford described Beaufort as “great” and was remembered as a down-to-earth individual who was approachable and congenial, much to the surprise of property owners who met him. His professionalism shone through his frequent communication and kindness, according to Rogers.

The film “The Legend of Bagger Vance” tells a story set in the 1930s about a struggling golfer, played by Matt Damon, who receives guidance from a mysterious caddy named Bagger Vance, portrayed by Will Smith. Filming for this production began on September 23, 1999, and concluded in December of the same year. Notably, it coincided with the production of “The Patriot,” starring Mel Gibson, in various Lowcountry counties.

Several locations in Beaufort were used throughout the filming process. For instance, the McLeod Farmstead near Seabrook was featured in a scene portraying the birthplace of Bagger Vance. Despite challenges in finding golf courses that resembled the architecture of the 1930s, production designer Stuart Craig noted that they ultimately secured access to suitable courses designed by Pete Dye. These courses were chosen for their acknowledgment of the indigenous nature of the Lowcountry.

In addition to Beaufort, significant shoots took place elsewhere, including at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Georgia, which served as the fictional Krewe Island. Many golf scenes were filmed at the Colleton River Club in Bluffton, while the climactic showdown on the golf course occurred at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island.

As news of Redford’s death spread, Dan Rogers expressed his heartfelt sentiments, reminiscing about their time together during the filming in 1999. This bittersweet memory serves to remind the community of the notable connection between the legendary actor and the beautiful scenery of Beaufort. Over the years, the town has proudly stood as the backdrop for several prominent films, including “Forrest Gump,” “Jungle Book,” “Something To Talk About,” and “The Prince of Tides.”

FAQ

• What is Robert Redford known for? Robert Redford was an iconic actor and film director.
• What film did Robert Redford film in Beaufort? He filmed “The Legend of Bagger Vance” in Beaufort 26 years ago.
• Who served as Robert Redford’s driver during location scouting? Dan Rogers, a senior project manager for the South Carolina Film Commission, served as Redford’s driver for two days during location scouting.
• When was the filming of “The Legend of Bagger Vance”? Filming began on September 23, 1999.
• What can you tell me about the plot of “The Legend of Bagger Vance”? The film is about a down-and-out golfer played by Matt Damon, who finds guidance from a mysterious caddy named Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Beaufort News
• Wikipedia: Robert Redford
• AOL: Lowcountry Gentlemen Smugglers
• Google Search: Robert Redford
• AOL: Lifelong Beaufort Native
• Encyclopedia Britannica: The Legend of Bagger Vance
• AOL: Beaufort County News
• Google News: The Legend of Bagger Vance

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.