Key points

Living within a mile of a golf course was linked to 126% higher odds of Parkinson's disease.

Pesticides used on greens may pollute ground water, thus raising Parkinson's disease risk.

Policy change could help limit pollution from golf courses.

With nearly 16,000 golf courses nationwide , chances are you live near one. Living close to preened and verdant greens may seem idyllic, however recent research demonstrates a link between golf courses and Parkinson's disease (PD). How could this be?

In a 2025 case-control study published in JAMA Network Open , U.S. researchers hypothesized that there would be greater risk of PD in those residing within water service areas: with a golf course; on vulnerable groundwater regions; or with shallow municipal wells.

Distance Matters

See Full Page