The Story Behind Golf’s “Big Hole” Tradition
Have you ever stood over a tricky four-foot putt at Crestview Golf Club and wished the cup was just a little bit wider? You aren’t alone. In fact, some of the greatest legends in golf history have argued for the exact same thing.
While the standard 4.25-inch golf hole is a tradition dating back to a 19th-century Scottish drainpipe, the alternative history of “Big Hole” golf is all about making the game faster, friendlier, and a lot more fun.
The Legend Who Wanted a “Big Bucket”
The idea of oversized golf holes isn’t a modern gimmick. It actually peaked in popularity during the winter of 1933 at the Miami Biltmore Open.
The experiment was championed by seven-time major champion Gene Sarazen. He grew tired of seeing spectacular drives and precise iron shots neutralized by a poor day on the putting green. Sarazen advocated for a 6-inch cup—dubbed the “Big Bucket.” He believed larger holes would reward great ball-strikers, eliminate agonizing three-putts, and drastically speed up the pace of play.
While the traditionalists eventually won out on the PGA Tour, Sarazen’s vision planted a seed that completely changed how we look at casual golf today.
Why Modern Golf is Thinking Bigger
In recent years, the “Big Hole” concept has made a massive comeback. Courses across the country now use temporary 8-inch, 10-inch, or even 15-inch cups for special events.
The benefits of playing a round with oversized holes are immediate:
- Faster Rounds: Groups can easily shave 45 minutes off a standard 18-hole round because the ball drops much faster on the green.
- Lower Scores: The average amateur golfer drops their score by roughly 10 strokes, making it highly rewarding for casual players.
- Chips Go In: Those near-miss chip shots from off the green suddenly become thrilling birdies and pars.
Experience it at Crestview!
The Crestview Kalamazoo Big Hole Scramble June 6-7
The Spring Big Hole is a fun, competitive 4-person scramble happening June 6-7, 2026. Teams can play anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, with yardages balanced across white, yellow, and red tees based on age and gender.
As Crestview GM and Head Pro Bob Bales puts it, “This format really makes golf accessible to anyone; the oversized cups level the playing field, and the contests are all about having fun and getting some recognition with your buddies.”
Key details for the weekend include:
- The Rules: Standard scramble format where you play within one club length of the best shot, including raking and placing in bunkers. Crucially, the ball must stay in the oversized cup to count—if it hits the bottom and bounces out, it is not holed.
- Handicaps: Verifiable handicaps are required for the net division, calculated at 80% of the team average, while unverified players are treated as a zero.
- Payouts & Skins: Prize money is split evenly between Gross and Net categories, though a team can only cash once, with gross scores taking precedence. Separate daily skins games are paid out based on gross scores only.
Download your team’s registration form here or call the Proshop with any questions at 269-349-1111.
See Upcoming Events here.
