ADAAG does not know how to define an elevated hole, but they will require only 50% of them to be accessible. They are still requiring that accessible routes connect all accessible holes, so there will have to be walkways bypassing the non-accessible elevated holes.

The proposed regulations call for all accessible holes to be connected by an accessible route, which, in general, means slopes of 1:20 without a handrail and 1:12 with a handrail for a minimum width of 36 inches. These routes can either go through the interior of the hole or on the side of the hole. The handrail requirement for 1:12 has been waived for inside the hole, as it would disrupt play.

Where an accessible route passes through the inside of a miniature golf hole, a removable curb in the border will be provided that is well marked. Previous recommendations were for a one inch crb that a wheelchair could bump over. The question was raised as to how someone in a wheelchair could lift a removable curb. The alternative is to make a walkway on the side of the hole so the accessible route does not intersect the border curb.

The proposed regulations require that all level areas of a miniature golf hole be located within 27 inches of an accessible route with a slope not to exceed 1:20. They have a diagram showing a person in a wheelchair parked next to a hole reaching a putter out 27 inches. They do not define "level area" at all. This could result in accessible walkways around both sides of holes. There are putter handle extensions available as well.

The regulations call for a 60 inch by 60 inch minimum level tee area (referred to as "start of play area") for all accessible holes.

Slope Exceptions Within Holes

ADAAG will allow a 1:4 maximum slope for a rise of 4 inches where the accessible route is located on the playing surface of the hole. This is an attempt to make holes more playable.