LAGUNA NIGUEL : Lake Golf Range Idea Blown Out of Water

The mayor and City Council were ready to do battle with the county and a developer who wanted to turn part of Lake Laguna Niguel into a floating golf driving range.

But the skirmish was over unexpectedly this week when the developer dropped the project after facing fervent community and council opposition.

“I just wanted to provide a recreational opportunity,” developer David Graf told the council Tuesday.

The lake is owned by the county, and the council was set to vote on sending a letter to county officials protesting Graf’s proposal.

The project would have seen docks built on the shore of Lake Laguna Niguel, from which golfers would hit floatable balls toward small island targets.

“When I heard of this project several months ago, I thought it was ludicrous,” said Mayor Mark Goodman. “I still think it’s ludicrous.”

Residents packed the council chambers, mainly for another hearing, but reacted to the project with hoots and boos.

Several residents spoke out to oppose the loss of aesthetics and quiet they feared would be brought by a lakeside driving range.

“This whole project evolved with the secrecy of the atomic bomb,” said resident Joe Lynch. “I implore the council to do anything it can to kill this project.”

After public comments, Graf stood up, told the council he could save it a considerable amount of time and announced he was dropping the golf range idea.

“I appreciate Mr. Graf being honorable enough to see the lay of the land,” said Council member Janet Godfrey.