From the Research
Living near a golf course is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with a 126% increased odds of developing PD compared to individuals living more than 6 miles away from a golf course. This is based on a recent study published in 2025 in the JAMA network open 1. The study found that individuals living within 1 mile of a golf course had a significantly higher risk of developing PD, and that the risk decreased with distance from the golf course.
The study also found that individuals living in water service areas with a golf course had nearly double the odds of PD compared to individuals in water service areas without golf courses, and that individuals living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions had 82% greater odds of developing PD compared to those in nonvulnerable groundwater regions.
While the exact mechanism of the increased risk is not fully understood, it is thought to be related to pesticide exposure from the golf courses. Pesticides like paraquat, rotenone, and certain organophosphates have been linked to Parkinson's disease in occupational settings with high exposure levels 2. However, for people living near golf courses, the exposure would typically be much lower than occupational exposure.
Other more established risk factors for Parkinson's disease include age, family history, sex (men are more affected), head injuries, and certain genetic mutations. If you live near a golf course and are concerned, you might reduce potential exposure by keeping windows closed during spraying times, washing produce from your garden thoroughly, and using a high-quality water filtration system if you use well water. These precautions are reasonable but should be considered alongside managing other more established risk factors for Parkinson's disease.
Some key points to consider:
- The risk of PD is highest for individuals living within 1-3 miles of a golf course
- Living in water service areas with a golf course or in vulnerable groundwater regions increases the risk of PD
- Pesticide exposure is thought to be the likely mechanism of the increased risk
- Other risk factors for PD, such as age and family history, should also be considered and managed accordingly.