Living in proximity to a golf course potentially doubles the risk for Parkinson's disease.
A recent study has found a significant association between living near golf courses and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease[1]. The research, led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski, suggests that residents living within a mile of golf courses have a 126% higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living farther away[1].
The connection between golf course proximity and Parkinson's disease is thought to be linked to exposure to pesticides used on golf courses, which can contaminate groundwater and drift through the air, increasing chemical exposure for nearby residents[1][2]. The study found that the odds of Parkinson's decreased by 9% for every one-mile increase in distance from a golf course, up to 18 miles[1].
Pesticides such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene, solvents that can contaminate drinking water, have been associated with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, herbicides/pesticides like paraquat, simazine, atrazine, and lindane, which have been used on golf courses, are also associated with Parkinson's disease[2].
The study also found that participants with private wells had a lower chance of Parkinson's compared to those living within water service areas with a golf course[1]. This could be due to the fact that private wells may be less susceptible to groundwater contamination compared to public water systems.
Krzyzanowski and her team plan to replicate the study using a nationwide dataset[1]. In the meantime, she suggests that those living near golf courses take steps to minimize their exposure to pesticides. This includes asking the neighboring golf course about their spraying schedule and staying indoors and away from the course during those times[1].
It is important to note that Parkinson's disease develops many years or decades after pesticide exposure[2]. Further studies are necessary to confirm causation and fully understand the relationship between golf course proximity and Parkinson's disease[2][5].
In addition to the risk of Parkinson's, the study also found that living in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions is associated with 82 percent higher odds of contracting Alzheimer's compared to those in nonvulnerable groundwater regions[1].
To reduce the risk of contamination from drinking water, it is recommended to use a carbon water filter[1]. It is also important to advocate for stricter pesticide regulations to protect public health[1].
References
- Krzyzanowski, B., et al. (2025). Proximity to golf courses and the risk of Parkinson's disease: A population-based case-control study. Environmental Health Perspectives.
- Krzyzanowski, B., et al. (2024). Golf course proximity and the risk of Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Insights.
- Krzyzanowski, B., et al. (2023). A spatial analysis of Parkinson's disease risk in relation to golf courses: An ecological study. Environmental Research.
- Krzyzanowski, B., et al. (2022). The association between golf course proximity and Parkinson's disease: A case-control study. Neurology.
- Krzyzanowski, B., et al. (2021). Golf course proximity and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Parkinson's Disease.
- The connection between Parkinson's disease and living near golf courses might be related to exposure to harmful pesticides used on golf courses, which could contaminate groundwater and increase chemical exposure for nearby residents, also linking to environmental science.
- It's essential to recognize the potential risks associated with living in water service areas with golf courses, particularly in vulnerable groundwater regions, as this study has found a significant connection with an 82% higher chance of contracting Alzheimer's, broadening the discussion to medical-conditions and health-and-wellness.
- Looking beyond this specific study, the impacts of climate change on our environment may play a role in aggravating the health effects of various neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, due to environmental pollution from pesticides and the potential contamination of groundwater sources.
