Golfers and Surfers Clash Over Newport Beach's Future

A heated battle erupts between two communities over plans for a surf park that would replace part of a local golf course.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golf course and surf park overlapping in sharp, fragmented planes, representing the clash between these two recreational activities in the coastal town.The battle for Newport Beach's coastline pits traditional golf against the rising popularity of surfing, exposing deeper tensions in the community.Newport Beach Today

In the coastal town of Newport Beach, California, a heated battle has erupted between the local golf and surfing communities. Plans for a new surf park threatened to replace three holes of the Newport Beach Golf Course, sparking outrage among golfers. The city council initially approved the project, but local golfers rallied and forced a public vote, leading the council to ultimately rescind their approval and hand golf a decisive victory.

Why it matters

This clash highlights the ongoing tension between different recreational groups vying for limited coastal resources and public space. The outcome could set a precedent for how such conflicts are resolved in the future, with implications for the future development and character of Newport Beach.

The details

The surf park project was initially approved by the city council, but local golfers gathered signatures to force a public vote. Fearing a costly election, the council ultimately rescinded their approval, handing golf a victory. Councilmember Erik Weigan cited cost-savings to the city as the reason, while Councilmember Sara J. Weber emphasized respecting private property rights.

  • In April 2026, the Newport Beach City Council initially approved the surf park project.
  • Local golfers gathered signatures to force a public vote on the project.
  • Fearing a costly election, the city council rescinded their approval of the surf park in 2026.

The players

Newport Beach Golf Course

A local golf course that would have been impacted by the proposed surf park project.

Erik Weigan

A Newport Beach city councilmember who cited cost-savings as the reason for rescinding approval of the surf park project.

Sara J. Weber

A Newport Beach city councilmember who emphasized respecting private property rights in the decision to rescind approval of the surf park project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a simple decision... cost-savings to the city.”

— Erik Weigan, Newport Beach City Councilmember

“We must respect private property rights.”

— Sara J. Weber, Newport Beach City Councilmember

What’s next

The city of Newport Beach will likely continue to navigate the balance between the interests of the local golf and surfing communities, with the potential for future development proposals that could impact public spaces and recreational activities.

The takeaway

This clash over the surf park project highlights the ongoing tensions between different recreational groups in coastal communities like Newport Beach, where limited resources and public spaces can lead to heated battles over the future development and character of the area.