Young Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) is the pride of Savannah, Georgia. He is an incredible golfer who enlists and is sent overseas to fight World War I. After the war, a disillusioned and broken man, Junuh simply disappears.

15 years later, Junuh returns to Savannah and is roped into representing his hometown in a golf tournament against several professional golfing legends. Junuh has, however, lost his game (and his swing) and only is able to recover it with the help of Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a drifter who appears one night and caddies for Junuh. Vance’s spiritual influence and guidance not only helps Junuh remember his swing, but also teaches him about life.