Golf Course Proximity Increases Parkinson’s Risk by 126%

Living within one mile of a golf course significantly elevates the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to groundbreaking research published in JAMA Network Open. The study found that individuals residing near golf courses have 126% higher odds of developing the neurodegenerative condition compared to those living more than six miles away.

The landmark case-control study examined residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin, tracking over 5,500 people including 419 diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers uncovered a clear dose-response relationship between proximity to golf courses and disease risk, with potential implications for millions of Americans living near the nation’s 16,000-plus golf facilities.

Clear Distance-Related Risk Pattern Emerges

The study, led by researchers from the Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic, demonstrates a striking correlation between golf course proximity and Parkinson’s disease risk. According to JAMA Network Open, the study revealed a dose-response pattern where disease risk decreased consistently with distance.

“There was a modest dose response wherein the odds of PD increased by 198% at 1 to 2 miles, 121% at 2 to 3 miles, and 92% at 3 to 6 miles when compared with those living farther than 6 miles away,” the researchers wrote. Each additional mile of distance reduced Parkinson’s odds by approximately 13%, with risk stabilizing beyond the three-mile mark.

The research team, led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski, carefully controlled for factors including age, sex, race, ethnicity, household income, and urban or rural locations to isolate the relationship between golf course proximity and disease risk.

Pesticide Exposure Identified as Likely Culprit

Researchers identified excessive pesticide use as the most likely explanation for the observed risk increase. Golf courses in the United States typically apply pesticides at rates up to 15 times higher than those in European countries, according to ZME Science.

Previous research has established links between certain pesticides and Parkinson’s disease. Chemicals like paraquat and rotenone, which interfere with cellular energy production and cause oxidative damage in brain tissue, have been associated with increased Parkinson’s risk for decades.

“These results raise concerns about how chemicals applied for aesthetics may silently shape neurological health,” said Dr. Michael Okun, professor of neurology at the University of Florida and medical advisor at the Parkinson’s Foundation, in an interview with EcoWatch.

Water Contamination Compounds Risk

The study identified two pathways through which golf course proximity might increase Parkinson’s risk: airborne exposure and groundwater contamination. Residents living in water service areas containing golf courses showed nearly double the odds of developing Parkinson’s compared to those in water service areas without golf courses.

Most concerning were findings related to vulnerable groundwater regions. People living in water service areas with both a golf course and vulnerable groundwater geology had 82% greater odds of developing Parkinson’s compared to those in non-vulnerable groundwater regions.

“The evidence suggests that both vulnerable drinking water and airborne pollutant exposure may contribute to the risk,” Dr. Krzyzanowski told Medscape Medical News. The risk was particularly pronounced in urban areas, where researchers speculate that “denser residential areas may trap more airborne contaminants, contributing to elevated exposure.”

Implications for Public Health Policy

The findings arrive as Parkinson’s disease rates continue to climb worldwide. National medical adviser for the Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Michael Okun, noted on social media: “Parkinson’s cases are exploding. We now face 11.8 million cases globally, and the numbers are climbing fast.”

While researchers caution that as an observational study, their findings cannot establish direct causality, they emphasize the need for greater attention to environmental factors in Parkinson’s prevention. Dr. Okun added that “despite this reality, we still spend just 2 to 3 cents of every Parkinson’s dollar on prevention. That has to change.”

The study authors stopped short of recommending that people move away from golf courses, but suggest increased awareness of potential risks and consideration of measures to minimize exposure. These findings may eventually lead to changes in pesticide application practices on golf courses or increased monitoring of water supplies in affected areas.