Airport denied paving through

Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach has officially squashed John Wayne Airport plans to pave over the back nine holes of Newport Beach Golf Course.

“We met with the airport director and discussed a lot of options and other alternatives,” Moorlach said.

The land where half the golf course sits is owned by Orange County, and the golf course’s lease ran out earlier this year, prompting officials to mull over turning the back nine holes into parking for rental cars.

Newport Beach Golf Course officials said Friday they will honor Councilwoman Leslie Daigle for her efforts to save the golf course. Local golf enthusiasts will recognized Daigle Dec. 19 at the Santa Ana High Quarterback Club golf tournament fundraiser at the golf course.

“We’re going to give Daigle an (Anaheim) Angels bat with her name on it that says, ‘Thanks for going to bat for Newport Beach Golf Course,’” said Newport golf supporter Keith Wyrick.

Newport Beach City Council voted unanimously in May to oppose any plan to remove the back nine holes of the Newport Beach Golf Course after Daigle urged the city to take an official stance. Golfers and the golf course’s owners flooded Moorlach’s office with letters opposing plans to pave over the back nine holes.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.