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May 12, 2025 – A new study has found that people living within a mile of a golf course face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD), raising concerns about the potential health impacts of pesticide use on golf courses.
Published in JAMA Network Open and led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Barrow Neurological Institute, the research analyzed data from Olmstead County, Minnesota, spanning from 1991 to 2015. The study included 419 individuals diagnosed with PD and over 5,000 age- and sex-matched controls.
Key Findings:
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Proximity Matters: Living within one mile of a golf course was associated with a 126% increased risk of Parkinson’s disease compared to living more than six miles away.
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Dose-Response Effect: The risk remained elevated, though to varying degrees, for those living up to six miles from a golf course.
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Water Supply Concerns: Individuals whose drinking water came from groundwater service areas with a golf course had nearly double the risk of PD compared to those in similar areas without a golf course.
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Vulnerable Groundwater: The risk was even higher for people in regions with groundwater considered vulnerable to contamination, such as areas with karst geology.
Researchers suggest that increased exposure to pesticides-commonly used to maintain golf courses-may be a contributing factor. Pesticides like paraquat and rotenone have previously been linked to Parkinson-like neurodegeneration.
Dr. Krzyzanowski emphasized that the study is observational and cannot establish causality. “It’s too early to recommend that individuals move away from golf courses,” she told Medscape Medical News, but she encouraged awareness and steps to minimize exposure.
Expert Reactions and Study Limitations
Experts not involved in the research, such as Dr. David Dexter of Parkinson’s UK, noted several limitations. These include the study’s restricted geographic and demographic scope, lack of occupational history, and the possibility that participants’ exposure to pesticides may have occurred before moving near a golf course. The study also did not directly measure pesticide levels in drinking water.
Dr. Michael S. Okun, executive director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, called the findings “striking” and urged a re-evaluation of pesticide use on golf courses, citing the potential for “hidden hazards” to neurological health.
What’s Next?
While the findings highlight a possible environmental risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, more research is needed to confirm the link and understand the mechanisms involved. In the meantime, individuals living near golf courses may wish to stay informed and consider steps to limit exposure to pesticides, such as using water filters and staying indoors during and after pesticide applications.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes recent scientific research and expert commentary. The study discussed is observational and cannot prove that living near golf courses causes Parkinson’s disease. Many factors-including genetics, lifestyle, and other environmental exposures-contribute to PD risk. If you have concerns about your health or environmental exposures, consult a medical professional.
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