If you’ve been wondering why Bill Murray has been spotted in every pub in Ireland recently, wonder no more: the US star and noted golf lover has been busy filming a new series for the BBC.
Described as “a love letter to both the game and the place that shaped the Murray clan”, Off Course is a six-part travelogue which follows the Illinois-born Ghostbusters and Caddyshack star as he takes on some of Ireland’s most iconic golf courses.
The synopsis reads: “Wildly original, unpredictable and profoundly funny, this 6 x 30 minute series follows Murray and friends across some of the island’s most breath-taking fairways.
“But this is no ordinary golf show – it’s about life, chance encounters and the joy of going gloriously off course.
“Joined by the extended Murray family, celebrity friends, and long-time golfing companion Tom Coyne, the journey moves from revelations to epiphanies — and the occasional wrong turn.
Carl Spackler (Bill Murray) takes on his nocturnal nemesis in comedy classic Caddyshack
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“Off Course captures candid, unscripted moments woven with the wit, warmth, and wonder of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“The series offers an intimate portrait into a country whose stories, people and craic are just as unforgettable as Bill Murray himself. Golf is just the excuse!”
“I started out caddying, and golf was the best education I ever received,” explains Murray.
“Ireland feels like the right place to put all that to work.
“They’ve got this wonderful word there, ‘craic,’ which means ‘fun’, but it means a lot of other things. A lot of good things. And this show will be about us finding it.”
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Bill Murray (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Eddie Doyle, head of Content Commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland, says: “We’re thrilled that this series promises stunning scenery and beautiful golf courses.
“Couple this with the wit and charm of Bill and his friends and the series promises to be joyful viewing for audiences.”
Off Course will be shown on BBC Two, BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer. An airdate has yet to be announced.
