Flash Flooding Closes Groveport Golf Course, Central Ohio
Severe flash flooding on July 26 forced the closure of The Links at Groveport Golf Course in Central Ohio. One car was found submerged in a sand filtration pit, and at least three other vehicles were left stranded overnight as floodwaters quickly rose due to heavy rain from Little Walnut Creek.
Golf course director Tom Walker confirmed that nearly 4 inches of rain fell in under an hour, leading to the abrupt flooding. “It is not unusual for us to close for a day or two in early spring due to rain, but this was different,” he said. “One vehicle was lifted into the sand pit by the rising water. Others couldn’t start once water reached above their tailpipes.”
The National Weather Service lifted the flood warning on the morning of July 27, but a flood advisory remained in effect for Fairfield County. Roads were closed in the area, and additional rain is expected with an 80% chance of storms.
Meteorologist Toms Franks said rainfall totals varied dramatically across Central Ohio. While John Glenn International Airport reported 0.91 inches, Groveport recorded nearly four inches. “Storm systems stalled over Groveport, dropping rain repeatedly in a short time,” Franks explained. He also emphasized that climate change is contributing to more intense storms and higher flash flood risks.
Walker is now concerned about long-term damage to the course. If more rain falls, heat could scorch the already waterlogged turf, which would be devastating. “We lost the back nine fairways in 2017 under similar conditions,” he said. “We will do what we can, but we don’t want a long closure. This is a public course that served over 36,000 rounds last year, and weekends bring up to 250 golfers.”
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