LIVING near golf courses may significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to new research analyzing data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project. The population-based case-control study found that individuals living within one mile of a golf course had more than twice the odds of developing Parkinson’s disease compared with those living more than 6 miles away.
The study assessed environmental exposures across 419 incident Parkinson’s disease cases and 5113 matched controls between 1991 and 2015. Researchers examined proximity to golf courses, groundwater vulnerability, and municipal water systems, highlighting potential routes of pesticide exposure.
After adjusting for demographic and neighborhood characteristics, the analysis found that people living in water service areas with a golf course had nearly double the odds of Parkinson’s disease compared to those in areas without golf courses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.20–3.23). When compared with private well users, the odds were 49% higher (aOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.05–2.13).
The association was even stronger among individuals in groundwater-vulnerable areas with a golf course, where the odds of Parkinson’s disease rose by 82% (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.09–3.03). The findings suggest a potential environmental exposure pathway—particularly through drinking water—linked to pesticides used on golf courses.
These findings underscore the need for further investigation into environmental factors contributing to Parkinson’s disease, especially in regions with recreational land use and groundwater susceptibility. While causation cannot be confirmed, the geographic gradient in risk based on proximity supports a need for environmental health vigilance.
Reference:
Krzyzanowski B et al. Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e259198.
