Living Near a Golf Course May Increase Parkinson’s Risk—Here’s What You Should Know
Beautiful landscapes, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to recreational activities make living near a golf course seem idyllic.
But emerging research suggests a less picturesque truth: proximity to golf courses may significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The Study: What the Science Says
A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed health and residential data of over 5,500 individuals in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The results were striking:
- People living within 1 mile of a golf course had 126% higher odds of developing Parkinson’s than those living more than 6 miles away.
- Risk remained elevated within a 3-mile radius of a course.
- Those who both lived near a course and shared the same groundwater source (often from vulnerable aquifers) had an 82% higher risk.
The common factor? Pesticide exposure. Golf courses rely on frequent applications of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to maintain their pristine greens. These chemicals can leach into groundwater and persist in the environment, leading to chronic, low-level exposure for nearby residents—especially those using well water or vulnerable municipal sources.
How Pesticides Affect the Brain
Many pesticides are persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—chemicals known to:
- Disrupt mitochondrial function
- Increase oxidative stress
- Promote the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease
These environmental stressors may contribute to PD, especially in individuals with genetic predispositions or other risk factors.
What This Means for You
At Kane Hall Barry Neurology, we understand that Parkinson’s disease is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of genetics, inflammation, trauma, and environmental exposures. This study adds to growing evidence that where you live matters—especially if environmental toxins are in your water or soil.
If you or a loved one live near a golf course and are concerned:
- Test your water (especially if you use a private well)
- Install a reverse osmosis filtration system to remove pesticide residues
- Talk to your provider about pesticide exposure
- Support your body through nutrition and supplementation
- Ask your local golf course about their pesticide practices—or encourage them to go organic!
A Wake-Up Call for Environmental Health
While this study doesn’t prove causation, it raises important questions about preventable environmental risks. We believe neurological care must include environmental health awareness. Clean water and toxin-free living aren’t luxuries—they’re essential to brain health.
Kane Hall Barry Neurology: Your Partner in Brain Health
At Kane Hall Barry Neurology, we’re committed to addressing the rise in neurological disorders by providing comprehensive and personalized care. Since 1995, we’ve helped patients improve brain health with early diagnoses, individualized treatment plans, and a patient-centered approach. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about neurological health, reach out to us at (817) 267-6290 or schedule an appointment online today.
If you are struggling with Parkinson’s Disease, you can call (817)267-6290 to schedule an appointment or schedule a new patient appointment online at our Movement Disorder Center.
References
- Krzyzanowski B, Feaster BL, Bower JH, et al. Residential proximity to golf courses and risk of Parkinson disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e2512345. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.12345
- Fitzgerald K. Golf course pesticides and Parkinson’s risk: new study findings. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. May 26, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/2025/05/26/golf-course-pesticides-parkinsons-risk-study/
- American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). Golf course concerns: new research shows link to Parkinson’s. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/golf-course-concerns-new-research-shows-link-to-parkinsons/
- WebMD. Living near a golf course linked to Parkinson’s. May 9, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news/20250509/living-near-golf-course-linked-parkinsons
