Geological experts are showing interest in a giant sinkhole recently discovered near the driving range of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Top of the Rock golf course in Branson, Mo.
Martin MacDonald, conservation director for Bass Pro Shops, said in a telephone interview that the hole is 80 feet wide and 35 ft deep in some spots, adding that it exists thanks to two seperate sinkholes that formed near the golf course's entrance, Fox News reported.
MacDonald said a Champions Tour event took place at the Jack Nicklaus-designed par-3 course last month, adding that the sinkhole won't have an impact on visitors' ability to place because it isn't near the main course.
Geologists say that there is a good number of sinkholes in the Ozarks because of its karst topography, which is when water is constantly circulating through bedrock below the ground. This results in a good amount of sinkholes and caves, including Lost Canyon Cave, an attraction at the Big Cedar complex, according to USA Today Sports.
No reports of injuries were recorded, but a more in-depth investigation will be conducted to determine how the 7,000 cubic feet of material could be displaced.
Doug Gouzie, associate professor of geology and sinkhole expert at Missouri State University, told the Springfield News-Leader that possible causes of the sinkhole include an undiscovered cave and the recent heavy rains.
