February 25, 2026
Living Near a Golf Course Could Increase Parkinson’s Risk
For many, living near a golf course represents a peaceful lifestyle — manicured greens, open skies, and a sense of tranquility. But recent research suggests that proximity to these carefully maintained landscapes may come with hidden health risks. A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found that people living within one mile of a golf course face a 126% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living more than six miles away.
The culprit? High-volume pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides routinely applied to maintain lush fairways and putting greens. These chemicals don’t stay put. They can seep into groundwater, drift through the air, and accumulate in the bodies of those who live nearby. Over time, this chronic exposure may contribute to the neurodegenerative processes that lead to Parkinson’s disease.
Gladiator Therapeutics explores the connection between golf course proximity and Parkinson’s risk, examines the mechanisms behind chemical exposure, and offers protective measures for those living in affected areas. For individuals already managing Parkinson’s symptoms, Gladiator Therapeutics provides innovative solutions to support quality of life.
The 2025 Study: A Wake-Up Call
The 2025 study marks a significant milestone in understanding environmental contributors to Parkinson’s disease. Researchers examined residential proximity to golf courses and found a striking correlation: those living within one mile of a course had a 126% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s compared to residents living more than six miles away.
The risk doesn’t vanish beyond the one-mile mark. Even those living up to three miles from a golf course showed elevated risk levels, suggesting that chemical exposure extends further than previously thought. The study also noted that the danger is particularly acute in areas where golf courses share a groundwater source with surrounding communities. When pesticides leach into aquifers that supply drinking water, entire neighborhoods can face prolonged exposure to neurotoxic chemicals.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence linking environmental toxins to Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects motor function, balance, and overall quality of life. Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.
How Chemical Exposure Happens
Golf courses require intensive maintenance to keep the grass healthy and aesthetically pleasing. This often involves applying large quantities of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides — chemicals designed to kill weeds, insects, and fungi.
Unfortunately, these substances don’t discriminate. They can harm human health just as easily as they eliminate unwanted pests.
Contaminated Drinking Water
One of the primary pathways for exposure is through contaminated drinking water. Many golf courses use chemicals that can seep into the soil and eventually leach into groundwater. This is especially concerning in areas with vulnerable aquifers or shallow water tables.
Once pesticides enter the groundwater, they can contaminate wells and municipal water supplies, exposing entire communities to neurotoxic substances.
Airborne Chemical Drift
Another route of exposure is through the air. When pesticides are sprayed on greens and fairways, wind can carry tiny droplets beyond the intended area. Nearby residents may inhale these chemicals or absorb them through their skin without even realizing it.
This airborne drift can occur during application or shortly afterward, particularly on windy days or when chemicals are applied using high-pressure spray equipment.
Skin and Surface Contact
Residents who walk near golf courses, use adjacent parks, or allow pets to roam nearby may also come into contact with residual chemicals on grass, soil, or water. Children playing outdoors are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to touch contaminated surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths.
Proximity and Cumulative Risk
The 2025 study underscores an important point: the closer you live to a golf course, the greater your risk. However, distance alone doesn’t eliminate danger. Those living up to three miles away still face an elevated risk compared to those living further out. This suggests that chemical contamination spreads more widely than the boundaries of the golf course itself.
Cumulative exposure is another critical factor. Parkinson’s disease doesn’t develop overnight. It’s the result of years — sometimes decades — of damage to dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
Repeated, low-level exposure to neurotoxic chemicals can gradually contribute to this degeneration. For someone who has lived near a golf course for 20 or 30 years, the cumulative burden of pesticide exposure may be substantial.
This long-term risk makes it especially important for residents in affected areas to take proactive steps to reduce their exposure.
Protective Measures for Residents
If you live near a golf course, there are steps you can take to minimize your contact with harmful chemicals:
- Test Your Water: Have your drinking water tested for pesticide contamination, especially if you rely on a private well. Contact your local health department or a certified lab for guidance.
- Install a Water Filter: Consider investing in a high-quality water filtration system that can remove pesticides and other contaminants from your tap water.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure During Spraying: Pay attention to when nearby golf courses apply chemicals. Avoid spending time outdoors immediately after application, and keep windows closed to prevent airborne drift from entering your home.
- Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Even if you don’t grow your own produce, washing store-bought items can help remove residual pesticides.
- Create a Barrier: Planting dense hedges or trees along your property line may help reduce chemical drift from nearby courses.
- Advocate for Change: Encourage local golf courses to adopt organic or low-toxicity maintenance practices. Some courses have successfully transitioned to safer alternatives without sacrificing turf quality.
Taking these precautions can help reduce your overall exposure and lower your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Support for Those Living with Parkinson’s
For individuals already managing Parkinson’s symptoms, reducing environmental exposure is only part of the equation. Living with Parkinson’s disease presents daily challenges, from tremors and stiffness to difficulty with balance and coordination. That’s where Gladiator Therapeutics can help.
Gladiator Therapeutics specializes in innovative, non-invasive solutions designed to support individuals living with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Our advanced technology promotes cellular energy production and circulation, helping to ease discomfort and improve overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing early symptoms or managing advanced stages of the disease, our team is here to provide compassionate care and effective solutions tailored to your needs.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, don’t wait to seek support. Contact Gladiator Therapeutics today to learn how we can help you maintain your quality of life and manage symptoms more effectively.