Living Near Golf Courses May Increase Parkinson’s Risk, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed a troubling connection between living near golf courses and an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Key Findings
Researchers from Barrow Neurological Institute studied residential and medical records of over 5,500 individuals in Minnesota and Wisconsin between 1991 and 2015. The data showed that people living within one mile of a golf course had a 126% higher risk of Parkinson’s compared to those residing more than six miles away (JAMA Network Open, 2024).
Pesticide Exposure: The Leading Suspect
The suspected cause? Pesticides.
Golf courses frequently use pesticides such as chlorpyrifos and maneb, both linked to neurodegenerative conditions. These chemicals can leach into groundwater or become airborne, potentially exposing nearby residents.
The study also found that individuals who shared a groundwater source with golf courses had almost double the risk of developing Parkinson’s (WebMD, 2024).
Minnesota and Wisconsin are notable for their karst topography—a landscape particularly vulnerable to groundwater contamination, which could amplify exposure risks (Psychiatrist.com, 2024).
Expert Reactions
While the findings are significant, experts urge caution.
“This is a strong association, but not necessarily proof of causation,” said Dr. Katherine Fletcher, senior research manager at Parkinson’s UK. “Many other environmental and genetic variables may contribute to Parkinson’s.”
– Science Media Centre, 2024
The study did not account for all possible confounding factors, such as occupational pesticide exposure, socioeconomic status, or family medical history.
Public Health Implications
The findings raise important public health and policy questions:
- Should pesticide use on golf courses be regulated more strictly?
- Are residents adequately informed about environmental risks tied to nearby land use?
- Could alternative, eco-friendly turf management reduce community health threats?
For now, individuals living near golf courses might consider water filtration systems and staying informed about local pesticide applications.
