What may seem like a dream location, living beside a serene and green golf courses, could carry an unexpected health risk. A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that people who live closer to golf courses face higher odds of developing Parkinson’s disease, especially in areas where tap water is sourced from vulnerable groundwater systems.
Researchers from the United States examined health data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, focusing on patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease between 1991 and 2015. Their aim was to explore whether there is a connection between living near golf courses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s.
Why golf courses? These spaces often use large amounts of pesticides to maintain their pristine appearance. In the U.S., pesticide application on golf courses is reportedly up to 15 times greater than in Europe. These chemicals can seep into groundwater or travel through the air, potentially exposing nearby residents to long-term health risks.
The study analyzed data from over 5,000 individuals and matched Parkinson’s cases with controls based on age and sex. Researchers calculated how close people lived to golf courses two to three years before Parkinson’s symptoms began and factored in whether their tap water came from wells, surface water, or vulnerable groundwater regions.
Key findings revealed that people living within one mile of a golf course had a 126 percent higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living more than six miles away. Even at distances of one to three miles, the risk remained significantly elevated. Interestingly, the increase in risk leveled off within the three-mile range, suggesting a possible saturation effect.
Another critical discovery was related to water sources. Residents in areas where groundwater was both vulnerable and used near golf courses had up to 92 percent higher odds of Parkinson’s than those in areas without golf courses. This points to the possible role of pesticide contamination in drinking water, in addition to airborne exposure.
The study also noted that the risk was more pronounced in urban areas, where higher population density may amplify environmental exposure.
While the findings show a strong association, researchers caution that the study does not prove causation. Factors like occupational exposure or other environmental risks were not fully accounted for. Moreover, the research was limited to a predominantly White population in the Midwest, which may limit how widely the results apply.
Still, the data offer important insight into how our surroundings, including seemingly harmless recreational spaces like golf courses, may influence neurological health. Further studies in more diverse regions and with more precise environmental data are needed to confirm these results and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Journal reference:
Krzyzanowski B, Mullan AF, Dorsey ER, et al. Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Network Open, 2025, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716
