El Toro Golf Course

El Toro was a solid military course. When it was opened for public play, it became one of my favorites. Fun, challenging, while being forgiving of wild shots.

A shout out to the developers of the "Great Park" in Irvine that now own the property. When the "Great Park" plan went before the OC voters, the El Toro golf course was to be updated. A 2nd 18 holes of public golf would be added through the new residential communities. All of this surrounding the "Great Park" where open space and museums would welcome the OC as "the" place to be. It was a beautiful plan which received broad public support.

15 years later, the promises of the Great Park have vanished. The promised golf courses became residential areas. The financial backing of the museum district died, and it is now residential area. The open space areas had no funding, and became residential areas. For entertainment, we now have a giant orange balloon ride.

I'd like to have that vote again. I'd much prefer an international airport there than miles and miles of apartments and packed in overpriced houses. Boo.