Derek Strachan (1934 - 2022)

The PGA is saddened to report that Derek Strachan, an Honorary Member, coach to the stars of stage and screen, and a standard bearer for the Association in Spain for more than 50 years, has passed away.

Derek, who recovered from the debilitating effects of a stroke in 2016 to return to work at Atalaya Golf and Country Club on the Costa del Sol, was 88.

A Glaswegian with an aristocratic air who insisted on the Scottish pronunciation of his surname, Strawn, Derek went to Spain in 1966.

That was two years before Atalaya Golf and Country Club opened for business and Derek spent the rest of his career there.

Along the way he taught the original screen 007, Sean Connery, fellow movie star Stanley Baker, comedians Eric Sykes and Jimmy Tarbuck, and all-round entertainer Bruce Forsyth. In addition, Derek coached many who went on to become members of the PGA of Spain.

Hob-nobbing with the stars exemplified Derek’s persona. He was a familiar figure aboard a 500cc motor bike on the roads in and around Marbella commuting to Atalaya from the Los Monteros home he shared with Heidi, his partner.

And Hedley Muscroft, his friend and fellow PGA Professional, described him as “an immensely engaging character with a love of the good life”.

On the course, the pair teamed up for an unsuccessful bid to earn their Seniors Tour card in the USA, while Hugh Boyle, the Irish Ryder Cup player who died in 2015 was another friend of longstanding.