Getting to know golf’s Green
Jennifer K Mahal
If you played the greens at Costa Mesa Golf Course between 1971
and 1992, then you have benefited from the touch of Harry S. Green.
Green was the public golf course’s fourth operator.
Green, a native of Southern California, managed Los Angeles’
Griffith Park before coming to Costa Mesa in the 1970s. On March 15,
1971, he signed a contract with the city to manage the golf course
and the country club.
It was then that he met Bob Wilson, a historian and former Costa
Mesa mayor. The Greens -- Harry and wife MayBelle -- and the Wilsons
-- Bob and Maryalice -- became close friends, often traveling
together.
Wilson remembers Green as a “fun” man.
“He was the kind of guy always buying a drink for people,” Wilson
said. “He was always listening to people’s stories.”
Green had an 18 handicap, which would let him get into a
tournament, but wasn’t spectacular, his friend said.
Among Green’s contributions to the city were the Donnybrook and
Goblin tournaments that were held every year. On the Sunday before
St. Patrick’s Day, the Donnybrook tournament would bring couples to
the course for a day of golf that included dinner, drinks, prizes and
a party at the clubhouse. The Goblin tournament was held the Sunday
before Halloween.
The new operators, Mesa Verde Partners, have not continued with
the two tournaments, Wilson said.
Green, a “stout” smiling man with ruddy cheeks, was someone who
loved children, Wilson remembered. Green and his wife had four
children, three boys and a girl.
On a trip to China, Wilson recalls Green being surrounded by
little children.
“They cuddled right up to him,” Wilson said. “He was always a
father figure.”
Green passed away a few years ago. His wife, MayBelle, died last
month.
* Do you know of a person, place or event that deserves a
historical LOOK BACK? Let us know. Contact Jennifer Mahal by fax at
(949) 646-4170; e-mail at jennifer.mahal@ latimes.com; or mail her at
c/o Daily Pilot, 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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