Parkinson’s risk may be higher for those living near golf courses

Image credit: mk__s via Unsplash

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found an association between living near golf courses and a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, though it did not establish a direct cause. The researchers suggest that pesticide exposure from golf course maintenance may play a role, especially in areas where chemicals can seep into groundwater and potentially affect drinking water. While more research is needed, the findings raise concerns about environmental factors that may contribute to neurological health risks.

Source

Krzyzanowski B, Mullan AF, Dorsey ER, et al. Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e259198. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198

Additional Reading

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/golf-course-concerns-new-research-shows-link-to-parkinsons/

https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news/20250509/living-near-golf-course-linked-parkinsons