Smaller Golf Holes instead of Larger?

[Matthew Lloyd]

This post is derivative of the recent threads about the size of golf holes, and is not intended to be a debate about the merits of changing the size.  Rather, it's an idea about how golfers can get better as players, and that's to shrink the size of golf holes. 

A little used but great way of improving your shooting as a basketball player is to have a hardware store tighten the rim's circumference to make it only marginally bigger than the ball.  Practice for hours every day on this hoop for a few months and go back to a regular court and you'll feel like the hoop is as big as an ocean.  I believe creating smaller golf holes would have a similar, though more subtle, impact on a golfer's skill level. 

You could never do this on a public course obviously, but I'd love to see a small private club try this and gauge reaction.  I'm sure people would hate this, but I think it would be a fun challenge and a nice change of pace.

Thoughts?

[Will Lozier]

Matthew,

Many courses, public and private, have used this practice on putting greens which I am sure you've seen.  This is a valid way to improve your putting however it should be limited only to the practice green. 

Cheers

[Jordan Standefer]

Matthew,

Last time I played Barona Creek (outside of San Diego) they had a "hole" on their practice green that had a diameter of about one and a half balls.  I'm not sure if it was intended for practice purposes, or if it was needed for maintaining the practice green-- drainage, maybe?-- but I spent a good 15 minutes hitting 3-footers into that thing and every short putt I had that day looked as if I was hitting into a garbage can.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Matthew,

Many courses, public and private, have used this practice on putting greens which I am sure you've seen.  This is a valid way to improve your putting however it should be limited only to the practice green. 

Agreed, plus it would add at least a half a hour to the time it takes to play 18 holes.

A very bad idea that immediately elevates you to MIT status.

Cheers

[Greg Tallman]

Par 4s of 500 yards+ = 15" hole
Par 4s of 400-499 = 8" hole
Par 4s under 400 + Standard hole

Par 5s 650+ = 15"
550-649 = 8"
Under 550 = Standard

3s of 275+ = 15
200-274 = 8
Under 200 = Standard

[Garland Bayley]

I hate those small holes they use on putting greens. My fingers are to fat to get the ball out of them.

[DMoriarty]

I hate those small holes they use on putting greens. My fingers are to fat to get the ball out of them.

A close up of Garland's hands . . . .