Bill Murray is bringing his love of golf to television with A Course Called Ireland, a six-part documentary series following the Hollywood actor and golf writer Tom Coyne across some of Ireland’s most spectacular courses. The show launches on Paramount+ on October 25, 2026, after making its UK debut on the BBC.
Bill Murray’s latest television project combines championship golf courses, celebrity friendships and Irish culture in a journey that goes well beyond the fairways.
A Course Called Ireland, the new documentary produced by Skydance Sports and Stellify Media, follows the 76-year-old actor and author Tom Coyne as they travel through the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The series features six episodes of approximately 30 minutes each, with appearances from Murray’s family members and celebrity friends.
Although golf provides the foundation for the journey, the programme also explores Murray’s Irish ancestry, local traditions and the unexpected encounters that occur along the way.
Early critical reactions have been divided, with some reviewers praising the show’s humour and warmth while others question its portrayal of Irish culture.
Bill Murray and Tom Coyne Explore Ireland Through Golf
Murray’s enthusiasm for golf is well established, both through his personal involvement in the game and his appearance in the classic golf comedy Caddyshack.
In his latest project, that interest takes him to a country famous for its links courses and golfing heritage.
The documentary draws inspiration from Coyne’s book A Course Called Ireland, which chronicles his journey around the island in search of memorable golfing experiences.
The television adaptation follows Murray and Coyne as they visit golf destinations, meet local residents and explore the connections between the sport and Ireland’s cultural identity.
Their journey includes locations in County Cork and County Donegal.
At Old Head Golf Links near Kinsale, Murray encounters the dramatic coastal landscape that has made Irish links golf internationally recognizable.
Another part of the journey takes the group to Cruit Island Golf Club in Donegal, where Murray plays alongside members of his family.
The programme also follows encounters away from the course, including visits to Irish towns, pubs and local businesses.
Chris O’Dowd, Jason Kelce and Joanne McNally Join the Adventure
The documentary features several recognizable guests who accompany Murray during different stages of his journey.
Irish actor Chris O’Dowd, who previously appeared alongside Murray in the 2014 film St. Vincent, is among those joining the trip.
Comedian Joanne McNally also appears, along with former NFL player Jason Kelce.
Murray’s brothers Joel and John participate in the series, adding a family element to the golf-focused adventure.
The guests contribute to a format that emphasizes spontaneous conversations and shared experiences rather than conventional tournament coverage.
For golf viewers, the series offers a different perspective on the sport, showing its social and cultural significance instead of concentrating on professional competition.
Wall Street Journal Praises Murray’s Irish Golf Journey
The programme has received a positive assessment from Wall Street Journal television critic John Anderson.
In his review, Anderson describes the documentary as “a joy, with missed putts,” praising its combination of humour, memorable personalities and Irish scenery.
He also highlights the show’s emphasis on the hospitality encountered throughout the journey.
However, not every critic has responded as enthusiastically.
Writing for The Irish Times, Ed Power criticized the programme’s reliance on familiar cultural stereotypes and questioned how effectively it represents contemporary Ireland.
The contrasting assessments suggest that viewers may respond differently to the show’s balance of celebrity entertainment, travel documentary and golf.
For golf fans, the opportunity to see some of Ireland’s distinctive courses may be an attraction regardless of the divided critical response.
Where Can You Watch A Course Called Ireland?
The series premieres on Paramount+ on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in supported international markets.
In the United Kingdom, the programme began on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on Friday, October 23.
BBC Two is scheduled to broadcast the first episode on Sunday, October 25, at 9:30 p.m. UK time.
Paramount+ is handling the international release outside the UK and Latin America, subject to regional service availability.
The complete series consists of six approximately half-hour episodes.
Viewers can find the programme and its official trailer through Paramount+’s website.
Why A Course Called Ireland Matters for Golf Entertainment
The documentary arrives at a time when golf-related entertainment extends far beyond traditional live tournament broadcasts.
Rather than relying on professional competition or instructional content, A Course Called Ireland uses golf as a way to explore travel, friendships and personal experiences.
Ireland provides a distinctive setting through its historic golf courses, coastal landscapes and longstanding association with the sport.
For Murray, the programme also creates an opportunity to reflect on his Irish heritage while spending time with family and friends.
Whether audiences embrace its approach or share the reservations expressed by some critics remains to be seen.
What is confirmed is that the six-part series brings one of Hollywood’s best-known golf enthusiasts to television in a project focused on the people and places that make the game meaningful beyond the scorecard.