Golf's Greatest Holes, a new golf show hosted by former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and broadcaster Chris Hollins, premieres on Sky Sports next week (11 October@ 19:30) before reaching more than 500 million households in 189 countries over the following four years.
The six-part Series will feature some of the finest golf holes in the world, with the first episodes focused on Paul McGinley’s native Ireland and nearby Northern Ireland. During filming earlier this year, Paul and Chris travelled the length and breadth of the Emerald Isle playing iconic courses such as Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Adare Manor, Lahinch and Rosapenna.
With the help of drone cameras and unique access to courses earlier this year, they captured spectacular images of Irish golf holes that have hosted Major championships and Ryder Cups as well as those that present a challenge to the everyday golfer. These will all be included across the six shows that make up the first Series. Sky Sports will be screening the first episode featuring signature holes at Old Head, Royal Belfast, Ardglass and Carne from the 11th October.
More than 20 broadcasters around the world have committed to screening the Series from this Autumn, with at least four broadcasts each year. Other destinations planned for future episodes include the USA, the Caribbean, Australia and parts of Continental Europe.
“I’m so pleased Chris and I had a chat about this idea a few years ago, because I got to go back to some of the courses on the island of Ireland that are very special to me,” said Paul, who runs his own course design company and won the World Cup of Golf for Ireland with Padraig Harrington in 1997, before making his name as a winning player and Captain for Europe in The Ryder Cup. “But I also occasionally got to visit some places I had always wanted to play. And boy, were they incredible! We had a lot of fun making the Series and we hope that viewers around the world enjoy it too,” he added.
Former BBC Breakfast sports correspondent, Strictly Come Dancing winner and keen golfer off a seven handicap, Chris said of the inspiration behind the Series: “Paul talked about the amazing places he’s played over the years, his favourite holes and what makes the ‘greatest holes’. Fast forward two years and we’ve now filmed 29 of them on the island of Ireland.
“What an adventure! The show delves into why certain holes are so special to Paul - some are for golfing reasons, such as the challenge, the risk and the reward - and others for the way they make him feel due to the views and the memories. We have an incredible blend of spectacular holes. I also play a few to make sure we see every angle of the hole!”
Three times Ryder Cup winner as a player and once as captain, Dublin born McGinley brings a wealth of elite playing experience and knowledge of course design to the show, guiding Chris through the most spectacular and memorable holes. The duo enjoy time together both on and off the golf course, providing viewers with course insight as well as local history surrounding several multiple Major and Ryder Cup venues, as well as hidden gems.
The show was devised by Chris Hollins and is produced in super high-definition 4K by his production company No.4 Productions, in conjunction with Production and Distribution agency, Boulder Creek International.
Among the countries where leading broadcasters are due to screen the show are USA, China, Australia/New Zealand, India, Continental Europe and Africa.
The film crew team were able to complete filming on location earlier this year under the direction of Jeff Emerson from Leap Productions, in partnership with Tourism Ireland - and in conjunction with Failte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Viewers can suggest the holes they would like to see featured in future shows by posting their views on the show’s website, which offers a variety of other features, including behind the scenes footage and competitions involving Series sponsors.
For more information visit the show’s website golfsgreatestholes.com