The highly anticipated third series of the acclaimed TV show Golf’s Greatest Holes premiered on Sky Sports this week.
This special edition, titled The Open Special, features six episodes dedicated to the renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club and its iconic Dunluce Links, ahead of the venue hosting the 153rd Open Championship in July. New episodes will air every Tuesday.
Joining hosts Paul McGinley and Chris Hollins on the course are some familiar faces, including Darren Clarke, a local favourite, 2011 Champion Golfer, and Honorary Club Member, alongside Portrush resident, actor, and avid golfer James Nesbitt. Together, they explore selected holes on the spectacular course, blending golf mastery with renowned local charm.
“As well as showing Chris the breathtaking Dunluce Links at my home club, Royal Portrush, the lads and I made sure to treat him to some classic Irish hospitality – though that might explain why he couldn’t hit a ball all week,” joked Nesbitt.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the world’s best golfers back to the best place in the world this summer, and here’s hoping for another Irish victory!” he added, following Shane Lowry’s triumph in 2019.
HUGE NUMBERS WATCHING
The series is sponsored by Ci Global, a British Innovation company who create technology to protect people and property. CEO Anthony D Parfitt commented, “Ci Global is delighted to be part of the new series and enjoy Chris and Paul’s journey around the world playing the best courses the game of golf has to offer.” They join other key partners Your Golf Travel, Motocaddy and Galvin Green.
Supported by Tourism Ireland, the series highlights Northern Ireland’s world-class golf and its renowned attractions, including the Giant’s Causeway, the Titanic Belfast, Bushmills Distillery, and the picturesque Portrush Harbour.
Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s Acting Head of Great Britain, commented: “Excitement is building for the return of The Open to Royal Portrush this summer and Tourism Ireland is delighted to have supported the production of this exciting new six-part TV series, ‘Golf’s Greatest Holes – The Open Special’.
“Huge numbers of viewers are set to tune in when the series airs on Sky Sports this month and this presents us with a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on Northern Ireland’s world class golf and destination offering and encourage GB golfers and holidaymakers alike to visit their next trip.”
This season marks the first time series co-star Paul McGinley, a former winning Ryder Cup captain, has selected more than one hole from a single course.
REACHING 180 COUNTRIES
The show’s previous seasons featured standout holes from 24 courses across the island of Ireland in Series 1, including the 2027 Ryder Cup venue Adare Manor, and a spotlight on Portugal in Series 2.
Filmed in 4K ultra-high definition using drones, The Open Special will be broadcast in over 180 countries, including the USA, China, and Australia. North American viewers can catch the series on NBC starting in March.
“Walking the fairways with Irish royalty and James Nesbitt, we certainly had some laughs out there, but I truly felt the deep connection to Portrush given the warm reception we received and those visiting for the Open Championship will have a great time,” said co-host Chris Hollins.
“The pride in area is unmistakable, and the Dunluce Links is a gem that tests every part of your game while offering incredible views and I hope that comes across to the viewers,” he added.
Since its launch in 2021, the first Series of Golf’s Greatest Holes has reached an estimated 1 billion non-unique households in 189 countries, thanks to repeated screenings by more than 40 broadcasters and many airlines around the world. It’s also engaged with some 50 million digital viewers, as well as a significant number of social media audiences.
Tune in to Sky Sports for Golf’s Greatest Holes – The Open Special, and experience the magic of Royal Portrush.
More details about the Series can be found at www.golfsgreatestholes.com and to learn more about golf on the island of Ireland visit www.ireland.com/golf
