Paul McGinley fronts new TV series of ‘Golf’s Greatest Holes’ at Royal Portrush
The series will feature well-known local golf stars and personalities, including Darren Clarke
Last updated 8th Aug 2024
Filming in Northern Ireland begins this week for a brand-new series of the popular TV show Golf’s Greatest Holes.
This special six-part series will be devoted entirely to the challenging 18 holes of the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush, ahead of its staging of the 153rd Open Championship next summer.
The prestigious championship will return to the North Coast from 13th-20th July and work has already begun to ensure the major sporting event is even more memorable than 2019.
The upcoming series will be fronted once again by golfer Paul McGinley and presenter Chris Hollins. It will be seen by millions of people across GB when it premieres later this year and will then be screened in many other countries around the world, including the United States.
The series is set to feature several well-known local golf stars and golf-loving personalities, including Darren Clarke, honorary member of Royal Portrush and 2011 Open Championship winner.
Tourism Ireland’s support for this new series of Golf’s Greatest Holes is just one element of the organisation’s programme of activity to highlight the fact that The Open returns to Royal Portrush next year.
Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to support the production of ‘The Open Special’ series of ‘Golf’s Greatest Holes’. With millions of people across GB and elsewhere around the world set to watch the series, it’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Royal Portrush and Northern Ireland – showcasing our world-class golf and inspiring golfers everywhere to put Northern Ireland on their ‘wish-list’ for their next golf holiday.
“Publicity and broadcasts like this are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotional activity, to inspire travellers in GB, and elsewhere around the world, to visit Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.”
The 148th Open, held at Royal Portrush nine years ago, became the biggest sporting event ever held in NI, delivering a combined economic and media benefit of more than £100 million to the region.
Now, one-year countdown for The Open Championship is underway just months after the country was named Best Golf Destination in Western Europe by the influential International Association of Golf Tour Operators. (IAGTO)
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said “We are really looking forward to The Open returning to Royal Portrush next year and it is already shaping up to be another fantastic occasion.
“The last Open back in 2019 brought huge benefits not just to the North Coast but to the whole of Northern Ireland.” he said.
“It allowed us to present a very positive image of Northern Ireland across the globe, not only as a golf destination but also as a place to visit and invest.
“We have seen a lot of investment, both locally and from overseas, in the hotel sector on the North Coast following the event as well as in other locations such as Newcastle, Derry and Belfast, which have all benefited from the boom in golf tourism.
“This does not only benefit the golfing industry, but it is also good for the whole of the tourism and hospitality sector here.”
How to watch Golf’s Greatest Holes:
Golf’s Greatest Holes will premiere on Sky Sports later this year, we'll keep you posted on a date when announced.