Factual

Bill Murray is taking his love of golf and Irish heritage on the road in A Course Called Ireland, a new six-part BBC documentary series that combines golf, comedy, travel and plenty of unexpected detours. Produced by Stellify Media and Skydance Sports, the series follows Murray and his long-time golfing companion, author Tom Coyne, as they travel across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, playing some of the island’s most renowned courses along the way.
The BBC has unveiled first-look images featuring Murray alongside members of his extended family, including Joel and John Murray, as well as celebrity friends Chris O’Dowd, Joanne McNally and Jason Kelce.

Each episode centres on a different golf course and guest, but the game itself is only part of the journey. As Murray and Coyne move from one course to the next, the series introduces them to the people, places and stories that give the island its character, while exploring Murray’s connection to his Irish roots. Described by the BBC as an unpredictable road trip, A Course Called Ireland moves beyond traditional golf programming to offer a portrait of Ireland shaped by friendship, humour and the local craic. As the series puts it, golf is simply the excuse for the adventure.

BBC Commissioning Editor Cal Turner comments, “A Course Called Ireland is a hilarious and unpredictable love letter to the game of golf. The series captures candid, unscripted moments woven with the wit, warmth, and wonder of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Audiences will get a unique insight into Bill Murray, his family, his friends and his love of the emerald isle.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning, BBC NI says: "This series is about much more than golf. It’s a journey packed with friendship, humour, unforgettable characters and the kind of magic moments you simply can’t script. Bill Murray is one of a kind, and every stop on this adventure is a joy to watch, for golf fans and anyone who loves a great road trip."

For Stellify Media CEO and Co-Founder Kieran Doherty, the unpredictable nature of the trip was part of its appeal. “There was never much chance of a trip around Ireland with Bill Murray and his friends going entirely to plan — and that’s part of what made it so special. It was a genuine privilege for Stellify to be along for the ride, and we’re enormously proud of the series we all made together.”
Greg Groggel, SVP of Unscripted at Skydance Sports, added: “Bill Murray became our creative North Star as we embraced the unexpected and let the people, places and moments we encountered shape the series. The result is something truly original. But at its core, A Course Called Ireland is a simple story: two friends on a trip of a lifetime, inviting us along for the ride.”

A Course Called Ireland will premiere on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on Friday, October 23, before launching on BBC Two on Sunday, October 25. The series was made with funding from Northern Ireland Screen and was commissioned for the BBC by Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events Commissioning, and Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland.