Golf Course Proximity Linked to Higher Parkinson’s Risk in New Study

Living near a golf course might sound like a dream—lush greens, open spaces, and the occasional stray golf ball. But a new study from the Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic suggests it could come with a surprising health risk: a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. The catch? The closer you live, the higher the stakes.

The research, published in JAMA Network Open, zeroed in on southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, analyzing data from 419 Parkinson’s patients living near 139 golf courses. The findings are striking: those within one mile of a golf course face a 126% increased risk of the neurological disorder compared to those living six miles or more away. Even more concerning, residents in areas with golf courses and vulnerable groundwater—prone to contamination from pesticides—saw nearly double the risk.

Why the link? Researchers point to pesticides used on golf courses as a potential culprit. “The strongest effects were in areas with municipal water near golf courses or regions with susceptible groundwater,” said lead researcher Brittany Krzyzanowski, Ph.D. Yet, the study didn’t directly measure pesticide exposure, leaving room for speculation. Could it be the chemicals seeping into water supplies or floating through the air? The answer remains elusive, but the data raises eyebrows.

Dr. Mary Ann Picone, a neurologist not involved in the study, emphasized the need for caution. “This study fuels concerns about pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s, especially for those living within a one- to three-mile radius,” she noted. However, limitations abound. The study didn’t account for other risk factors like head trauma or genetics, and its regional focus—hot, humid areas where pesticide use may be heavier—might not apply everywhere.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America pushed back, arguing the study’s methodological gaps make its conclusions shaky. They stressed that EPA-approved pesticides, when used correctly, are deemed safe. Still, the findings call for more research to untangle the connection.

For now, the advice is practical: enjoy outdoor activities like golf, but be mindful of potential environmental risks. If you’re near a golf course, maybe check your water source—and keep an eye out for more than just errant golf balls.