Last Updated & Content Validated On: Nov 05, 2025
Living Near Golf Courses May Harm Your Brain, Study Finds
First Published: Nov 05, 2025
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that living close to golf courses might come with unexpected health risks — particularly for your brain.
Researchers found that people living within one to three miles of a golf course had a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared with those living farther away.
Why might this happen?
The study points to a likely culprit: pesticides.
Golf courses often rely on heavy pesticide use to keep greens lush and pest-free. These chemicals can seep into groundwater or drinking water, potentially exposing nearby residents over time.
So now what?
While more research is needed to establish a direct cause-and-effect link, this finding highlights a broader concern about how our environment influences neurological health.
Here are a few ways individuals and communities can respond:
- 💧 Check your water source. If your area relies on groundwater or wells, consider testing for pesticide contamination.
- 🏠 Think before you move. Environmental surroundings matter — proximity to farmland or golf courses could affect long-term health.
- 🌱 Support eco-friendly golf practices. Encourage local courses to use safer, sustainable turf management methods that protect both people and ecosystems.
As we continue to uncover how everyday environmental exposures can shape our health, one thing is clear: protecting our brains may start with protecting our surroundings.
References
[1] Krzyzanowski B, Mullan AF, Dorsey ER, et al. Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e259198. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198
