LITIGATION UPDATE
Lawsuit Aims to Preserve Newport Beach Golf Course from Surf Park Project
By Gabriel San Román | April 30, 2026
A lawsuit filed against Newport Beach and the City Council hopes to slam the door shut on a controversial plan to turn golf course land into a surf park.
Attorneys representing Steve Vickers, a Newport Beach resident named in a petition against it, are concerned that city officials could allow a smaller surf park to be built on the grounds of Newport Beach Golf Course, despite a recent ballot measure effort.
“Over 6,100 residents stood up for this golf course,” the suit read. “The council said it heard them. This court is asked to make that answer stick.”
The Snug Harbor Surf Park project suffered a critical setback in January when the Newport Beach City Council rescinded its prior approval of changes that would have allowed for the project to triple in size on the golf course’s central grounds.
Council members voted to adopt the ballot petition on the question instead of scheduling it for a future election.
Back Bay Barrels, the surf park’s developers, did not comment at the time on how the vote would affect its future plans.
Residents that backed the ballot measure claimed an early victory — one they hoped would prevent the golf course from losing three holes, a driving range and restaurant and while sparing the city a costlier election.
But City Manager Seimone Jurjis claimed during the Jan. 27 council meeting that the panel’s rescission of the general plan amendment, as the petition proposed, would not “kill” the surf park project, only shrink its footprint.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Newport Beach Golf Course the only affordable public course in our city?
Yes, Big Canyon Country Club and Newport Beach Country are private “members only” courses. Membership costs hundreds of thousands of dollars plus a large monthly fee.
What about Pelican Hill golf course?
Pelican Hill is a public course – sort of. $340 per round during the week, $415 per round on Friday and Saturday.
How much are Newport Beach Golf Course rates?
$34.00 for 18-holes during the week. $38.00 on weekends and holidays. $21.00 for 9-holes during the week, $26.00 on weekends and holidays. Discounts available for kids and seniors.
How many rounds are played annually at Newport Beach Golf Course?
Nearly 130,000 annual rounds.
Is the Newport Beach Golf Course driving range popular?
It’s wildly popular with over 90,000 buckets of balls hit annually.
What is the developer proposing to bulldoze for the surf park?
Our driving range, putting green, restaurant, golf shop, starter shack, and holes 1, 2, and 9 making it a non-conforming course.
Is the developer planning to develop high density apartments?
In February 2021 the developer sent a plan to the city for a high-density apartment project on the golf course. Click here for more info.
Is there something wrong with Newport’s surf beaches causing developers to the destroy the golf course?
Newport’s surf beaches are 4-miles from the golf course and some of the best in California, including 28th Street Jetty, Blackies, 54 and 56th Street Jetties, Newport Pier, and the Jetties. The U.S. Olympic Committee has chosen Trestles for the 2028 Olympics because of its consistently perfect waves.
Why would a developer want to bulldoze 15.3 acres of the golf course for a “surf park”?
We don’t know but you can ask them at info@nbsurfpark.com.
How much does it cost at similar surf parks?
According to media reports that Palm Springs Surf Club charges $20.00 admission and $211.00 for a 55 minute session. Two to three hour corporate sessions go for $6,000 and $7,500. It was closed most of 2024 due to technical problems. Surf legend Kelly Slater’s surf park near Fresno $7,000 per wave according to media reports. Private parties can rent it for $50,000 – $70,000 per day.
What is the surf park status?
Developers have filed an Environmental Impact Report with the City of Newport Beach that allows public comment. The deadline for comment is July 7, 2025. Send an email with your opinion to Joselyn Perez at JPerez@newportbeachca.gov
ABOUT NEWPORT BEACH GOLF COURSE
The Newport Beach Golf Course proudly serves as a vital practice facility for several local high school and college golf teams. Schools such as Newport Harbor High, Corona Del Mar High, Pacifica Christian High, Mariners Christian, and Orange Coast College rely on the course for their twice-weekly practices, offering student-athletes consistent access to quality training grounds. The course not only supports athletic development but also fosters community connection, mentorship, and school spirit across generations of local golfers.
In addition to supporting local school teams, the Newport Beach Golf Course also plays a key role in advancing youth golf and charitable causes. The course regularly hosts multiple tournaments benefiting PGA Charities and Junior PGA programs, including events organized by the Southern California Junior PGA and the Southern California Junior Golf Program. These tournaments provide young athletes with competitive opportunities while also raising funds and awareness for impactful community initiatives, reinforcing the course’s vital role as a hub for both recreation and service.
Along with supporting local youth, the Newport Beach Golf Course is also home to numerous community tournaments and charitable events that strengthen the fabric of the region. Notable events include the Fairways of Honor Memorial Golf Tournament, which honors and supports local veterans and first responders, and the California School Education Foundation Tournament, benefiting local schools. The course also hosts the Positive Vibes Annual Golf Tournament, the Life Rolls On Annual Golf Tournament, and a beloved long-running local tradition known as “The Matsters.” These events reflect the course’s deep commitment to serving a wide range of causes and fostering community through the game of golf.
On an average day, Newport Beach Golf Course welcomes 500 to 600 members of the local community, with those numbers increasing significantly during good weather and holiday weekends. Annually, the course serves between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors, making it a vital hub of activity, recreation, and connection. More than just a golf facility, it is a community beacon—a space where residents of all ages gather, stay active, and build relationships. With its deep roots and broad impact, Newport Beach Golf Course deserves to be preserved for generations to come.
Daily Users 500-600 daily between both the driving Range and the course with most using both.
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