Bill Murray Is Usually Happy to Provide You with a ‘Bill Murray Moment’

Amazon’s A Course Called Ireland originally set out to be an exploration of golf across the Irish landscape, but it has evolved into something of a showcase for Bill Murray. As a result, Tom Coyne is taking this shift in stride, even if Murray has expressed some mild discontent with the show’s focus.

The series, based on Coyne’s 2009 book, is set to debut on Paramount+ this Sunday. Consisting of six 30-minute episodes, the show carries a light-hearted tone reminiscent of Ireland’s coastal breezes. Although its initial aim was to follow Coyne’s journey as he traversed the island playing its numerous golf courses, this adaptation has clearly become what Murray jokingly terms in one episode, “The Bill Murray Show.”

Murray is open to taking pictures with fans, yet he seems less enthusiastic about the film crew capturing every moment. “I’m heavily involved in the show. As an executive producer, that’s about as much as you can be,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t want to complain about it; it’s just too late for that.”

During a candid Zoom chat with Coyne, who is based in the Caribbean, and an amiable Murray, who was roaming the streets of Boston at night in a bucket hat, the two reflected on the unexpected trajectory of the series. Murray had originally envisioned himself as a hands-off executive producer, enjoying the perks of the role without significant involvement. “If it starts to feel more like it’s about Tom’s book, I’ll be pleased — I wasn’t thrilled with it becoming overly centered on me,” he explained, having only seen a couple of episodes so far.

Coyne is taking everything in stride, relieved to see his project finally realized after a long 17-year endeavor. When asked if the project would have come to fruition without the “Bill Murray as a golf show” angle, Coyne candidly acknowledged, “I get it. When the producer bought the rights, he wasn’t going to make a Tom Coyne-centered show with Skydance Sports.”

Coyne understood that the series naturally tilted toward being more Bill-centric, given Murray’s talent and appeal. “Whether it was Bill Murray or another celebrity, it was never going to be solely ‘The Tom Coyne Show,’” he admitted.

The potential for the show to feature various celebrity golfers was evident, with names like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal floated during production. However, Murray proved to be the perfect fit due to their shared Irish heritage and existing camaraderie on the golf course, which even includes co-owning a course together in the Catskills with NFL player Jason Kelce. “Bill is the kind of friend who genuinely looks out for people and wants to contribute positively to their lives,” Coyne noted.

Murray’s interactions with locals during filming helped create memorable moments. His spontaneous encounters have become legendary, evoking a sense of nostalgia for their whimsicality. I asked him if the pressure of these expectations weighs heavily on him. “If you’re living your life properly, it shouldn’t feel like a burden. It can be challenging if you’re caught up in something else,” he replied thoughtfully. “It’s merely another facet of life — sometimes, things attach to you, and you might feel constricted in your actions.”

With the prevalence of cell phone cameras, some of the magic of these interactions may have faded. “It can feel like a game of catch sometimes,” he explained, noting that the spontaneity can be unpredictable. “As you navigate these encounters, occasionally it works out, while other times it doesn’t go quite as planned.”

For Murray, taking a break from his public persona is essential for recharging, especially as he ages. “After four days of quiet, I felt rejuvenated as I entered the airport and encountered fans again. Those interactions, while frequent, can be enjoyable and enriching,” he said, sharing insights on his life experiences.

Certainly, there is something uniquely captivating about Bill Murray. A Course Called Ireland, produced by Skydance Sports and Stellify Media, will debut on Paramount+. In the United Kingdom, viewers can tune in on BBC Two, BBC One Northern Ireland, and BBC iPlayer.