Scot is director of golf at holiday destination in Canary Islands

Murdo McCorquodale ready to give you a warm

Scottish welcome at Playitas, Fuerteventura

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Kilmarnock-born (but brought up in Inverness) PGA professional Murdo McCorquodale is certainly not missing the winter chills of his home land.

As director of golf and head pro at Las Playitas Grande Resort (http://www.playitas.net/) on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, Murdo, pictured right, is not only basking in the sunshine, he is a very happy man with the opening of the resort's golf course which has been extended from a six-hole academy lay-out to a full 18-hole course.

"All initial comments have been very positive from the Press and golfers alike. The par 67 course is proving a fun test for all levels of player," says Murdo.
"The course architect, John Chilver-Stainer from Scotland, has a philosophy which is far removed from ‘clichéd’ modern golf courses and which aims to give intelligent shot-makers a fair chance on every hole.

"Wind conditions and flag positions can really change the course in an instant and it is a definite case of ‘brains before brawn’.
"It is early days but as pro here at Playitas Golf I am convinced that this course will have a lasting appeal to many golfers who will return year after year and see it as a ‘home from home’."

Ryanair announced this month that they will soon start regular flights to Fuerteventura with Prestwick, Bournemouth and Dublin the departure points in Britain and Ireland.
Murdo has seen more of Europe golf courses than most PGA professionals. He did his apprenticeship with the late Doug Smart at Banchory Golf Club and then Dean Vannet at Peterculter.

He was head professional at Inchmarlo Golf Centre, Banchory from 1995 to 2000 - and can claim to have given James Byrne, now the top-ranked Scottish amateur golfer, his first golf lessons.
From Inchmarlo, Murdo started his travels on the Continent by joining Elgin-born pro Derek McKenzie in Cologne for a spell.

After two seasons as a teaching pro at the Rhine Valley club, Murdo moved on to the Algarve before teaming up with Derek McKenzie again at Somabay on Egypt's Red Sea Riviera.

In early 2007, Murdo and his wife Ana and their baby daughter Alba was offered the post at Las Playitas Grande Resort as director of golf and headprofessional.

"My job was to open the golf academy and eventually the 18-hole golf course. After all our travels, I believe this is the ideal spot for us," said Murdo.

"We've been very lucky with the friends we've made and the cultures and languages we've learned but we still have very close links with our friends and families back home."

Playitas Grand Resort is located in the picturesque bay of the fishing village Las Playitas in the Municipality of Tuineje on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canaries.

It has a sandy volcanic beach, which is perfect for playing, walking or just relaxing and enjoying the sun.
The resort has extensive sports and leisure facilities catering for all tastes. It is fast becoming the largest sports and training centre on Fuerteventura. High performance athletes, as well as those seeking a wide variety of fun and adventure sports, are well catered for.

The facilities include a gym, biking, scuba diving, windsurfing, athletics, triathlon, beach volleyball, tennis, table tennis, football, swimming, inline skating, basketball and golf.