MATT DAMON had major doubts about signing up for golf drama THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE - because he couldn't play the game.

The GOOD WILL HUNTING star was desperate to team up with director ROBERT REDFORD, and was delighted to read he wouldn't have to take his shirt off - but really wasn't sure he could master golf.

He says, "I grew up in a city and never played. I had 30 days to learn how to do it and it was harder than I thought it was going to be. It was the one reason that almost made me think about not being in this film. I told Robert. "That said, I could eat what I wanted because I didn't have to take my shirt off like I did in THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY."

(KL/WNV/CPT)

Source: WENN