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Hollywood star Bill Murray golfs through Ireland in new series

Hollywood star Bill Murray is set to play golf across the island of Ireland in a new six-part BBC series titled *Off Course*. The show will follow the 75-year-old comedian as he embarks on a road trip around Ireland to take on some of its most breathtaking golf courses.

Inspired by Tom Coyne’s New York Times bestseller, *A Course Called Ireland*, the series will feature Murray—who has Irish roots—joined by celebrity friends and his long-time golfing companion Coyne as they tee off around the Emerald Isle.

Reflecting on his love for golf, Murray said, “I started out caddying, and golf was the best education I ever received. Ireland feels like the right place to put all that to work. They’ve got this wonderful word there, craic, which means fun, but it means a lot of other things. A lot of good things. And this show will be about us finding it.”

*Off Course* consists of six 30-minute episodes and has been described as more than just an ordinary golf show. Instead, it focuses on life, chance encounters, and the joy of going off course.

Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment Commissioning and Events, commented: “This is a series full of humour, heart and adventure, set against some of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable, and we can’t wait for audiences to come along for the ride with Bill.”

Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, added, “We’re thrilled that this series promises stunning scenery and beautiful golf courses. Couple this with the wit and charm of Bill and his friends, and the series promises to be joyful viewing for audiences.”

Bill Murray is an award-winning actor best known for his roles in *Lost In Translation*, *Ghostbusters*, and *Groundhog Day*.

*Off Course* will be available to watch on BBC Two, BBC One Northern Ireland, and BBC iPlayer.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/hollywood-star-bill-murray-golfs-through-ireland-in-new-series-1812663.html

Ryder Cup crowd announcer steps down over expletive-filled Rory McIlroy chant

A crowd announcer at the Ryder Cup has stepped down after leading an expletive-filled chant directed at Rory McIlroy. Heather McMahan urged fans at the first tee to shout, “f*** you Rory” together after players were introduced to the crowd before the start of the afternoon session at Bethpage Black on Saturday.

This incident was one of several unsavoury moments on a fractious and fraught day of action, overshadowed by crowd problems. It set the tone for the kind of treatment McIlroy subsequently received during the event.

McMahan, who was not the main announcer but was entertaining the crowd, has since issued an apology. A statement from the PGA of America, the event organisers, read: “Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.”

European captain Luke Donald accused American fans of crossing the line after his players, most notably McIlroy, were subjected to relentless heckling. Comments and insults were repeatedly aimed at the Northern Irishman as he prepared to play shots.

At one point during the morning session, McIlroy shouted at a fan, and his afternoon match was delayed multiple times as appeals for calm were made, including by his opponent Justin Thomas.

Donald said, “It was loud, it was raucous. What I consider crossing the line is personal insults and making sounds when they are trying to hit on their backswings or very close to when they are trying to go into their routines. That did happen a little bit.”

The PGA of America declined to comment when asked by the PA news agency about reports of further disturbances, including fighting, in the crowd.

Much attention had been focused on the hostile reception Europe was expected to receive from a boisterous, partisan New York crowd. McIlroy and partner Shane Lowry bore the brunt of much of the abuse aimed at the European team, repeatedly clashing with fans on their way to a win against Thomas and Cameron Young.

McIlroy described the day as “really challenging,” while Lowry seemed to embrace the atmosphere.

“It was intense. It was like something I’ve never experienced,” Lowry said. “But this is what I live for. This is it. This is, like, honestly, the reason I get up in the morning, for stuff like this.”

Reflecting on the crowd’s behaviour, McIlroy stated, “People can be their own judge of whether they took it too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to win today with what we had to go through.”

The tension wasn’t limited to interactions with the crowd. On the course, Bryson DeChambeau screamed in the face of Tommy Fleetwood following a complaint from Fleetwood’s partner Justin Rose. Rose had objected to DeChambeau’s caddy, Greg Bodine, walking across the line of his putt, sparking a spat involving players and caddies.

“I was ready to hit my putt,” Rose explained. “I didn’t feel like that space was being honoured. I made my feelings known. Asked him to move. Maybe not as politely as I could have done, but in the scenario, it’s coming down the stretch, we both have a lot on our minds and it’s intense out there.”

Despite the disruptions and heated exchanges, Europe managed to ignore the noise and tension to win both sessions convincingly on Saturday, taking a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ryder-cup-crowd-announcer-steps-down-over-expletive-filled-rory-mcilroy-chant-1812147.html

Viktor Hovland receiving MRI on neck, status in question for Ryder Cup Sunday Singles

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Viktor Hovland’s status is in doubt for Sunday’s singles matches at the 2025 Ryder Cup due to a neck injury.

European captain Luke Donald confirmed that Hovland underwent an MRI on his neck Saturday night after experiencing discomfort toward the end of his morning round at Bethpage Black and again while warming up for the afternoon session.

Hovland was a late scratch from the lineup, with Tyrrell Hatton stepping in as his replacement.

“He got some physio. He was given a lot of anti-inflammatories during the round,” Donald said. “He finished. He was feeling OK. He went in to rest, and then he went back out to the range to try and hit some balls. When he got to the driver, he hit one and it was very painful. He hit another one and it got even more painful. It was at that point that he thought, ‘I’m not going to be able to play to the level that I think I can.’

“So it was a last-minute decision to switch him out. Tyrrell literally warmed up for about ten minutes. We knew it was a possibility, but we were hoping that he would play.”

Donald added that Hovland is doing everything he can to compete, though his neck stiffened up later, prompting the MRI.

Hovland is currently 1-1 this week and was scheduled to play Harris English in the final singles match at 2:03 p.m. Sunday. He won his Saturday morning match against Robert MacIntyre.

Earlier in the afternoon, Hovland commented on his injury, saying, “I had to pull out of the Travelers Championship earlier this year because of the same issue. I played two holes and then had to pull out, so I didn’t want to do that here. I’ve been struggling with it a little bit since then — not as bad, but similar over the last few months.”

If Hovland is unable to compete, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley will be required to reveal the name of the player in his envelope. This predetermined player would then sit out the singles match to ensure both teams have the same number of competitors.
https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/ryder-cup/2025/09/27/ryder-cup-2025-viktor-hovland-mri-neck-injury/86398929007/

Where is the 2025 Ryder Cup being played? Venue explored

The Ryder Cup in 2025 will take place at Bethpage Black, a renowned public golf course located in New York. Known for its strong history of hosting major tournaments, Bethpage Black stands as one of the most prestigious venues in American golf.

### A Rich History of the Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup began in 1927 as a match between the United States and Great Britain. In 1979, the format evolved when Europe joined, creating the modern competition we know today. Overall, the U.S. leads the series 27-15, but since 1995, Europe has won 10 of the last 14 contests. Playing at home has proven to be an advantage for the American team—they have claimed victory in three of the last four Ryder Cups held on U.S. soil.

### Long Island: A Golfing Hub

Located on Long Island, Bethpage Black sits in a region with a rich golfing tradition. Long Island boasts around 160 courses, ranging from elite private clubs like Shinnecock Hills to accessible public courses in Brooklyn. Over the years, it has hosted numerous prestigious events including:

– 10 U.S. Opens
– 7 U.S. Amateurs
– 6 PGA Championships
– 5 U.S. Women’s Amateurs
– 4 Walker Cups
– 1 U.S. Women’s Open

Bethpage Black itself has hosted the U.S. Open twice (2002 and 2009), the 2019 PGA Championship, and PGA Tour events in 2012 and 2016. With the 2025 Ryder Cup, it joins an exclusive group of courses worldwide to have hosted a U.S. Open, a PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup.

### About Bethpage Black and Bethpage State Park

Bethpage Black is situated within Bethpage State Park, which covers nearly 1,500 acres and comprises five 18-hole courses. Known as a “public country club,” the park offers affordable golf to thousands of players annually.

Designed in the 1930s by famed architect A.W. Tillinghast, the Black Course is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in golf. Despite its prestige, green fees remain relatively low, making it one of the most accessible venues ever to host the Ryder Cup.

### The Challenge of Bethpage Black

What makes Bethpage Black unique is its demanding nature—both physically and mentally. The course is challenging right from the tee shot and remains difficult through the approach to the greens. Players must navigate a 77-foot elevation change, featuring steep uphill and downhill stretches across the front and back nines.

Golfers face constant elevation shifts, which add to the physical challenge of walking the course without a motorized cart (carts are only permitted on the other four courses at Bethpage State Park). Mentally, the pressure is high due to the need to hit fairways consistently and avoid the numerous bunkers.

### Course Conditions and Strategy

The rough at Bethpage Black is thick and composed of ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and poa annua, making approach shots tricky to control. Because of this, both team captains—Keegan Bradley for the U.S. and Luke Donald for Europe—will likely advise their players to aim for the center of the greens rather than going directly for challenging pin placements. This safer tactic reduces risk, avoids troublesome greenside bunkers, and forces opponents to focus on accuracy off the tee and precision on approach shots.

### Home Advantage

The U.S. team will benefit greatly from a passionate and supportive home crowd. The energetic atmosphere generated by fans can provide an important boost to the American players throughout the competition.

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As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, Bethpage Black promises to deliver an intense and memorable golf showdown on one of the game’s most demanding and iconic courses.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-where-2025-ryder-cup-played-venue-explored