BBC/Stellify Media

The BBC has released first-look images of Bill Murray and friends in a new six-part series, A Course Called Ireland, which sees the Hollywood star embark on a road trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The six-part documentary series, produced by Skydance Sports and Stellify Media, follows Murray and his good friend and author Tom Coyne as they play their way across some of the island’s most legendary golf courses.

“But somewhere between the first tee and the final pint, the journey veers off course to meet the people who give it its soul, and why Bill loves his Irish heritage so much.”

The series promises to explore much more than golf, with Murray and Coyne meeting people and discovering places across the island along the way.

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.”

(BBC/Stellify Media)

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.”

Kieran Doherty, CEO & Co-Founder, Stellify Media, says: “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.”

The series is being made with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.

A Course Called Ireland will launch on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on Friday, 23 October, before airing on BBC Two on Sunday, 25 October at 9:30pm.