Living near golf courses has been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers from Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic. The study found that residents living within 1 to 2 miles of a golf course had nearly triple the odds of developing PD, with the highest risk observed in areas where golf courses were situated in regions susceptible to groundwater contamination.
Environmental risk factors, such as pesticide exposure, have long been linked to an increased risk of PD. In the United States, golf courses are treated with pesticides at levels up to 15 times higher than those in Europe, raising concerns about potential environmental contamination. Previous reports have suggested that proximity to golf courses may contribute to PD risk through groundwater and drinking water contamination.
The study, titled “Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease,” was a population-based case-control study that included 419 PD cases and 5,113 matched controls identified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project. PD cases were confirmed through a review of medical records, while controls were matched by age, sex, and index date.
Researchers used address-level data to assess proximity to golf courses, mapping golf course boundaries using satellite imagery and linking them to participant addresses. They also collected data on water service areas and groundwater vulnerability to determine potential exposure risks.
The study found that living 1 to 2 miles from a golf course was associated with a 198% higher odds of PD, while those living 2 to 3 miles away had a 121% higher odds. Risk decreased with distance, with a decline of approximately 13% per additional mile beyond 3 miles. Living in water service areas with a golf course was also associated with a 96% higher odds of PD.
Interestingly, individuals relying on private wells, while still at an increased risk, were at a lower risk compared to those using municipal wells. The findings highlight the potential impact of pesticide exposure on neurodegenerative diseases like PD and emphasize the importance of evaluating groundwater contamination and implementing protective measures in susceptible areas.
The study underscores the need for preventive strategies to reduce PD risk in populations living near golf courses, including addressing pesticide application practices and monitoring groundwater quality. By understanding the environmental factors contributing to PD risk, public health officials can take steps to mitigate potential exposure risks and protect the health of nearby populations.
For more information on the study, titled “Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease,” published in JAMA Network Open, visit DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198.
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