Golf’s Greatest Holes, a new TV golf show hosted by former European Tour player and Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and broadcaster Chris Hollins, premieres on Sky Sports next week.
The six-part series, which is sponsored by Motocaddy, will feature some of the finest golf holes in the world, with the first episodes focused on McGinley’s native Ireland and nearby Northern Ireland.
During filming earlier this year, both McGinley and Hollins 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 the courses, 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.
Sky Sports will be screening the first episode featuring signature holes at Old Head, Royal Belfast, Ardglass and Carne on October 11 at 7.30pm, with further episodes being broadcast every fortnight.
More than 20 broadcasters around the world have committed to screening the series from this autumn, with at least four runs of the series 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 McGinley. “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.”
Former BBC Breakfast sports correspondent Hollins, who is a keen seven-handicap amateur, said: “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!”
Dublin-born McGinley brings a wealth of elite playing experience and knowledge of course design to the show, guiding Hollins 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 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.
The series is being sponsored by trolley brand Motocaddy, which supplied trolleys for Chris and Paul to use during the show. In addition to a ‘Brought to you by Motocaddy, the No.1 electric trolley’ introduction, there are short bumper adverts at the beginning, middle and end of each broadcast.
“We see Golf’s Greatest Holes as the perfect platform for the Motocaddy brand to partner with as we continue to expand our reach across the golfing world,” said Motocaddy Marketing Director, Oliver Churcher. “To have Paul and Chris using our latest products at some of the world’s most wonderful golfing destinations across Ireland is very special and we’re pleased to have helped them create a relaxed and enjoyable experience.”
For more information, visit golfsgreatestholes.com.