Government Mini Golf: The Federal Regulations For Putt-Putt Courses

Next time you hit a golf ball past a tiny model windmill in a game of miniature golf, it will probably be on government-regulated course. 

Under the umbrella of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal government has issued new regulations governing the size, slope, and even the length of the grass fibers used on the course. Via Ryan Young of the Competitive Enterprise Institute:

The federal government regulates the slopes of miniature golf courses. The new standard "permits a slope of 1:4 maximum for a 4 inch rise where the accessible route is located on the playing surface of a hole."

If a course uses artificial turf instead of grass, it also regulates length for the fibers. The height of the "grass" shall not exceed half an inch.

The so-called "start of play" areas must be at least 48" x 60", and shall not have a slope steeper than 1:48.

Miniature golf isn't the only type of fun the new rules regulate: According to the federal register, the new guidelines "include scoping and technical provisions for amusement rides, boating facilities, fishing piers and platforms, golf courses, miniature golf, sports facilities, and swimming pools and spas."