Bill Murray stars in six-part Irish golf documentary series

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 07:20 · Archive

A six-part BBC documentary series follows actor Bill Murray and author Tom Coyne playing golf across Ireland.

A Course Called Ireland is a six-part BBC documentary series combining actor Bill Murray with author Tom Coyne as they travel across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to play golf. The show is based on Coyne's 2009 book A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee. Bill Murray's younger brothers appear in the series, alongside guest stars including Chris O'Dowd, Joanne McNally and Jason Kelce.

All six episodes became available on BBC iPlayer from 23 October. Viewers require a UK postcode and valid TV licence to access the show through the platform. The series is aimed at fans of Murray's previous golf-related television work, including The Sweet Spot and The Links Life.

The Guardian describes the show as a 'jocular road trip' in which the two friends meet local characters and reflect on their Irish heritage between rounds of golf on links courses. The review notes the series presents itself as 'not a show about golf' and 'not even a show about Bill Murray', though it becomes an 'existential snapshot of fame' given the presence of a camera crew following a Hollywood legend.

How it is being reported

• A Course Called Ireland: Bill Murray clearly hated making his new golfing show – but it’s extremely fun to bingeIn his rogue new travelogue, the Hollywood star tees off, has drunken pub singalongs – but mostly just proves how tired he is of fame I’m suspicious of travelogues, which often feature celebrities in contrived situations, serving up a sentimental postcard of a place that is tantamount to a lie. I also hate how famous people are inexorably drawn to golf: a boring game historically predicated on a rancid mix of social exclusivity and extensive land ownership. So it was perverse of me to watch a show in which author Tom Coyne drives around Ireland playing various courses with his friend, actor…The Guardian · 24 Oct, 07:00
• How to watch A Course Called Ireland online for free – stream Bill Murray golf show from anywhereGolf addict Bill Murray links up with Tom Coyne, author of the bestselling A Course Called Ireland travel memoir. Here's how to watch A Course Called Ireland online for free and from anywhere.TechRadar · 23 Oct, 08:00

In this story: Bill Murray · Tom Coyne · Ireland · BBC · Chris O'Dowd · Joanne McNally · Jason Kelce

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