Tensions are rising in ritzy Newport Beach, California. The conflict? A proposed wave pool, which would take over a portion of an existing golf course. As expected, the golf community is not happy, and on July 3rd, a rally was held to block the surf park.
Snug Harbor Surf Park, the proposed pool, would replace a small section of Newport Beach Golf Course. However, in a statement exclusively provided to SURFER, “the balance of the existing Newport Beach Golf Course will remain intact,” a representative stated. How small? According to plans, the project “would remove all existing improvements on the Project site including the driving range, pro shop, restaurant and bar, and three holes of golf, and redevelop the site with a 5.06-acre surf lagoon that would provide four distinct surf areas for both experienced and beginner surfers.”
Just three holes; three holes, which are privately owned, of the 18-hole course. And yet, those against the surf park development are still up in arms. Following the demonstration to stop the wave pool construction, keyboard warriors on both sides of the debate have been chiming in…including Kelly Slater…