- By the end of August, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that approximately 1.32% of Ohio was experiencing D4-Exceptional Drought conditions. This marked the first time Ohio has been classified in the D4 category since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000.

In early September, the affected area expanded eastward from Pickaway County. At the same time, D3-Extreme Drought conditions grew to cover about 15% of the state, with 25% experiencing D2-Severe Drought or worse. Nearly 75% of Ohio is facing at least abnormally dry conditions, according to Aaron Wilson, an Atmospheric Scientist at The Ohio State University and a Research Scientist at the Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center and Ohio State University Extension.

These drought conditions have serious implications for local golf courses. Many courses that rely on irrigation ponds, typically filled by rain runoff or wells, are now being forced to purchase water from local municipalities. In some cases, nightly water expenses can soar into the thousands of dollars. Courses that regularly depend on purchased water, due to a lack of retaining ponds or wells, are experiencing nearly double their usual water costs—potentially reaching or exceeding $100,000.

This raises the question: Will this be the new normal? Extreme weather patterns seem to be becoming more common, and the best way to prepare for these occurrences is by investing in course infrastructure, particularly in areas such as drainage and irrigation. While this may not seem like the most glamorous use of a facility's resources, it is becoming increasingly clear that effective water management plans are essential to a course's long-term health and viability. Adapting to these changing conditions could be key to sustaining operations in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

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