Recent research has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with living near golf courses, particularly regarding the increased likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease. A study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that individuals residing within one mile of a golf course have a 126% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living more than six miles away. This heightened risk is attributed to the extensive use of pesticides on golf courses, which can be up to 15 times higher than in European countries.

The study analyzed data from 27 counties across Wisconsin and Minnesota, revealing that the risk of Parkinson’s disease decreases with increased distance from golf courses. Moreover, individuals whose homes share water sources with golf courses are nearly twice as likely to develop the neurodegenerative disorder.

Parkinson’s disease affects movement through progressive damage to the nervous system and currently impacts about 90,000 Americans each year. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates that by 2030, 1.2 million people in the U.S. will have the disease.

While there is no cure, treatments and surgeries are available to help manage symptoms. The findings of this study underscore the importance of evaluating environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure, in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease.

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