Are Golf Course Owners Endangering Local Residents with Parkinson’s Disease?
Recent Findings by Arizona Neurologists
In a medical research journal released in May, Arizona neurologists raised concerns regarding the extensive use of pesticides by golf courses and its potential link to Parkinson’s disease among nearby residents. The study, published by JAMA Network, suggests that the likelihood of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease increases with proximity to a golf course. Specifically, individuals living within one mile of a golf course are 126% more likely to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis compared to those residing six miles away. Furthermore, the research indicates that those who share water services with a golf course are twice as likely to develop the disease compared to those who do not.
Environmental Impact on Parkinson’s Disease
The research, led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, utilized health records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) to explore environmental factors influencing Parkinson’s disease diagnoses. The team investigated the prevalence of Parkinson’s in individuals living near over 100 golf courses in Minnesota and Wisconsin, discovering that those diagnosed between 1991 and 2015 were more often located within three miles of a golf course than those living farther away.
Focused Study on Olmstead County
Krzyzanowski and her colleagues concentrated their analysis on a specific golf course in Olmstead County, Minnesota, to test their theory that pesticides used for maintaining the golf course may be adversely affecting local seniors. They examined records of Parkinson’s diagnoses in Minnesota and Southern Wisconsin, particularly among those who had lived in Olmstead County around the onset of their symptoms. The researchers identified 450 Parkinson’s cases and compared them to 9,000 control participants who did not have the disease.
Assessing the Odds
The research team first sought to determine whether diagnosed individuals were more likely to reside near a golf course compared to controls. Initial comparisons revealed that those with Parkinson’s lived closer to golf courses, typically between 1.7 and 2.7 miles away, while control participants were more dispersed. To refine their analysis, the team employed more sophisticated statistical methods to evaluate the relationship further.
Calculating the odds, they noted that the likelihood of Parkinson’s disease decreased by 9% for each mile a person lived further from a golf course. The data indicated a non-linear relationship, with higher concentrations of diagnosed individuals living within three miles of golf courses.
The Role of Water Supply
To investigate potential causes, the researchers shifted focus to the water supply, hypothesizing that pesticide runoff from golf courses could contaminate local water sources. They identified golf courses positioned over vulnerable groundwater and compared Parkinson’s rates near these courses with those that had less risk of contamination.
Mapping diagnoses against water supply sources, the team found an 82% increase in Parkinson’s diagnoses near golf courses with likely leaching into the water supply. This increase rose to 92% when comparing individuals living near such courses to those who did not live nearby. Interestingly, participants receiving water from municipal wells located on golf courses showed no increased likelihood of a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Considerations and Caveats
While the findings are compelling, several important considerations must be acknowledged. The reported increases in odds do not necessarily translate to significant changes in absolute probabilities of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study also did not examine address histories extending beyond three years prior to diagnosis, raising questions about the timing of exposures.
Moreover, the median residency duration in the area was 18 years, suggesting some patients had long-term exposure to potential environmental risks. Additionally, genetic predispositions may play a role in how individuals respond to pesticide exposure, complicating the understanding of the relationship between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease.
Confounding Variables
The researchers did not collect groundwater samples or data on specific pesticides and herbicides used by the golf courses, leaving gaps in understanding the current risks associated with living near these recreational spaces.
Furthermore, it’s essential to consider why some individuals at higher risk for Parkinson’s disease might choose to reside near golf courses. Golf can offer rehabilitative benefits for those with Parkinson’s and is popular among seniors seeking exercise and social interaction.
Conclusion: Pesticides and Parkinson’s Disease
This research serves as a preliminary investigation into how golf course management may impact local communities and highlights the need for further studies to explore environmental factors linked to Parkinson’s disease. Understanding whether certain individuals are more susceptible to developing the condition in relation to pesticide exposure could pave the way for better health outcomes for affected populations.
References
Krzyzanowski B, Mullan AF, Dorsey ER, et al. Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(5):e259198. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198.
de Graaf L, Boulanger M, Bureau M, et al. Occupational pesticide exposure, cancer and chronic neurological disorders: A systematic review of epidemiological studies in greenspace workers. Environ Res. 2022;203:111822. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.111822.
Cash MF, Ulanowski E, Danzl M. Development of a community-based golf and exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;33:149-155. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.006.
Bliss RR, Church FC. Golf as a Physical Activity to Potentially Reduce the Risk of Falls in Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease. Sports (Basel). 2021;9(6):72. doi:10.3390/sports9060072.