Our main research beeyard is located between two 18 hole golf  courses.  We 
frequently take samples and have them analyzed for  pesticides.  The only 
problem we've seen - when we get a long, cool, wet  spring, the course sprays 
for mosquito control. They don't spray in dry  years.  The mosquito control 
hasn't caused any measurable problem  in our hives, but we do pick up some 
low level amounts of residue  in forager bees for a few days after spray.
 
Since your golf course has been there for years, it should be  relatively 
easy to determine whether they started using any new pesticides in  recent 
years.  Other than mosquito control, about the only insecticides  we've 
encountered at golf courses, when I was doing pollution studies,  were used to 
kill grubs that damage the grass.
 
However, if you are across the street from a golf course, that suggests you 
 are in an urban setting.  I'd suspect an over-zealous gardener.  Also,  
any new, heavy industry show up?  
 
But why guess - sample your bees and send them to Gastonia.  For the  price 
of a fill-up of gas in your pickup (I assume you have one since you have  
to move hives), you can get a broad spectrum chemical analysis. 
 
If the report comes back with a hit on a chemical (s) not used by  the golf 
course, look elsewhere.  If no significant levels (remember you'll  see 
traces of many chemicals, that's been true for decades) - the issue is  whether 
there's any at chemicals at levels likely to cause harm, then look  to you 
own management.   
 
One problem we see is a twist on the cobbler's children.  The yard  nearest 
home is the one you're always going  to check -  tomorrow.

 

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