Imagine waking up in your dream home, surrounded by the lush greens of a golf course, only to learn that the very landscape you love might be putting your health at risk.
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open has uncovered a troubling link between living near golf courses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects millions worldwide.
With pesticides used to maintain those pristine fairways potentially seeping into water supplies and air, this research raises urgent questions about environmental health and community safety.
Here’s what you need to know about this alarming discovery and what it could mean for you or your loved ones.
The Study: A Closer Look at the Data
A team led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix analyzed health data from over 27,000 residents in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, using the Rochester Epidemiology Project.
Their findings, published on May 9, 2025, are striking: people living within one mile of a golf course face a 126% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living six miles or more away (JAMA Network Open, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198).
Key Findings
- Proximity Matters: The closer you live to a golf course, the higher the risk. Those within 1–3 miles showed significantly elevated odds of Parkinson’s, with risk decreasing as distance increased.
- Water Contamination Concerns: Residents in water service areas with golf courses had nearly double the odds of Parkinson’s compared to those in areas without golf courses or those using private wells (adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.20-3.23).
- Groundwater Vulnerability: Areas with coarse soils, shallow bedrock, or karst geology—where groundwater is more susceptible to contamination—showed even higher risks (adjusted OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09-3.03).
Why Pesticides Are Suspect
The study points to pesticides, commonly used to keep golf courses pristine, as a likely culprit. These chemicals can drift through the air or leach into groundwater, potentially exposing nearby residents.
Previous research has linked pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s, and this study strengthens that connection. A separate analysis in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, found seven pesticides, including types associated with Parkinson’s, contaminating water near four golf courses.
What Does This Mean for Communities?
Parkinson’s disease, which affects nearly 1 million Americans and 10 million people globally, is a progressive condition that impairs movement and, in later stages, cognition. With no cure and cases on the rise—“exploding,” as one outlet put it—this study is a wake-up call for communities near the estimated 16,000 golf courses in the U.S. alone.
Real-World Impact
For residents in golf course-adjacent neighborhoods, often marketed as desirable for their scenic views, the findings are unsettling.
“These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of Parkinson’s disease for nearby residents,” Dr. Krzyzanowski wrote in JAMA Network Open.
Social media posts on X echo the concern, with users like @kevinfarmermd calling the data “eye-opening” and “very unsettling”.
Expert Caution
Not everyone is fully convinced. Dr. David Dexter, research director at Parkinson’s UK, noted that the study didn’t control for all variables, such as occupational pesticide exposure or genetic factors.
Similarly, posts on X from users like @DrAliSKhan emphasize that the study shows an association, not definitive causation. Still, the consistency of the findings across multiple analyses demands attention.
Broader Context: Pesticides and Public Health
This isn’t the first time pesticides have been linked to neurological harm. Past studies have associated them with Parkinson’s in agricultural workers and rural residents.
The golf course study expands this concern to suburban and urban settings, where manicured landscapes are a point of pride. In the UK and EU, strict regulations ban certain pesticides like paraquat due to health risks, but U.S. regulations vary, leaving gaps in protection.
Environmental Implications
Golf courses use significant amounts of water and chemicals, raising broader environmental concerns. Contaminated groundwater doesn’t just affect drinking water; it can impact entire ecosystems. The study’s focus on vulnerable groundwater regions highlights the need for better monitoring and regulation.
Why It Matters
This research isn’t just about golf courses—it’s about the hidden risks in our everyday environments.
For those living near these recreational spaces, the study suggests practical steps: test your water, advocate for stricter pesticide regulations, or even consider the health implications when choosing a home.
For policymakers, it’s a call to revisit environmental standards and prioritize public health over aesthetic landscapes.
What’s Next?
More research is needed to confirm causation and identify specific pesticides involved. Dr. Krzyzanowski’s team plans to expand their analysis, potentially influencing future regulations. In the meantime, communities can push for transparency about chemical use on local golf courses and invest in water filtration systems to reduce exposure.
For the millions affected by Parkinson’s—or those at risk—this study is a reminder that our surroundings shape our health in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Whether you’re a golfer, a neighbor, or simply someone who cares about clean water and air, this is a story that hits close to home.