O.C.’s parking lot idea is out of bounds, golfers say
Orange County is considering ripping out the back nine of a popular Newport Beach executive golf course for overflow parking at John Wayne Airport, unsettling golfers hooked on the club’s convenience and inexpensive greens fees.
As word quickly spread, golfers began signing petitions urging county and airport officials to keep all 18 holes of Newport Beach Golf Course in play.
“More parking is a waste of space,” said Doug McCready, 61, an Orange resident who has played there for decades. “And there’s enough traffic around here. This place is cheap, easy to get on, and you can play a full round in 3 1/2 hours.”
The 30-year-old lighted course is split into two parcels, the front nine owned by the Irvine Co. and the back nine owned by the county. County officials extended the lease in January to July 31 but are considering other uses, including a parking lot for rental cars.
The county’s options are limited because the nine holes are under John Wayne’s flight path, meaning building heights are restricted and crowd-creating uses, such as churches, hospitals and shopping centers, are barred.
“We’re in the early stages,” airport spokeswoman Jenny Wedge said. “The county and the airport want to do what makes the most sense for the land, and we want to work with the community.”
Supervisor John Moorlach, whose district includes the golf course, said he had advised airport Director Alan Murphy to look at a county-owned parcel in a flood-control zone for additional parking.
“A parking lot for rental cars might be a better revenue source than golf fees,” Moorlach said. “But what’s best for the community and the overall quality of life needs to be discussed.”
Newport Beach Mayor Steven Rosansky said the 18-hole executive course filled a need in a city with two private clubs and one of the more-expensive public courses in the region, Pelican Hill Golf Course, which offers panoramic views and $250 greens fees. “I’m sure we’ll be doing all we can to encourage the county and airport to keep all 18 holes,” Rosansky said.
Steve Lane, the course’s co-owner, said the possibility of nine holes being eliminated had angered many regulars. Lane said the lease for the front nine wouldn’t expire for 20 years.
“Where else can you play golf for $25 for 18 holes and also play at night?” he said. “This course benefits the whole community, not just the heavy hitters.”
If the county decides to plow under the back nine, Lane said he would continue to operate nine holes, a driving range, restaurant and pro shop. But Jerry Petitgout, a course regular, said the course would lose much of its character.
“It’s a little more challenging and a little longer,” he said. “And with a lake back there, it’s a little more scenic.”
The loss of fairways and greens would be nothing new to Orange County golfers, who recently have seen 18-hole courses close in Cypress and at the former El Toro Marine base. In Aliso Viejo, nine of 27 holes at a Jack Nicklaus designed-course were paved over to build homes.