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