There’s an old saying that typically holds true: the book is better than the movie. But what about the documentary?
Golfers will get to be the judge next month when A Course Called Ireland premieres Sunday, Oct. 25 on Paramount+.
In the six-part documentary series, actor-comedian Bill Murray and author Tom Coyne, who penned the book of the same name in 2009, play their way across some of Ireland's most legendary golf courses. But somewhere between the first tee and the final pint, the journey veers into an unexpected portrait of Ireland, the people who give it its soul, and of Murray himself.
Each 30-minute episode follows Murray and friends across some of the island’s most breathtaking fairways. Joined by the extended Murray family, including
Joel and John Murray, celebrity friends Chris O’Dowd, Joanne McNally, and retired football player turned sports commentator Jason Kelce, and long-time golfing companion Coyne, A Course Called Ireland is described in a press release as “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.
The six-part series will premiere globally on Paramount+ on October 25, excluding Latin America, and the United Kingdom, where it will air on BBC Two, BBC One Northern Ireland, and BBC iPlayer.
Coyne’s book is a must-read and led to a series of books that played off the original concept – A Course Called Scotland and A Course Called America. [His latest book, released this year, was A Course Called Home: Adventures of an Accidental Course Owner.]
“This isn’t just a show about golf — it’s a celebration of life going gloriously off course,” the release said.
Adam Schupak is a senior writer for Golfweek, covering the PGA Tour.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Bill Murray takes on Ireland in new golf series
