ABOUT
About McCracken 22 Putting Challenge
Bio
The McCracken 22 Putting Challenge was created in 2025 by Dave McCracken (pictured right). Dave played collegiate golf at San Diego State University and professionally in 1980-1981. Dave's passion for creating unique golf formats began in 1989 when he created the format for the "Skills Challenge" that was aired on NBC for 20 years. Dave has created numerous other golf formats that were used in 5 made for television shows that featured PGA TOUR professionals and celebrities. Raising money for worthy causes has been at the core of each of Dave's golf ventures. Each of these formats provided a unique, fun, and challenging event for men and women amateur golfers of every skill level. These formats also created opportunities for PGA of America Club Professionals to generate revenue and play for cash prizes in their own professional championships.
Our History
While recovering from Prostate Cancer surgery in July 2025, Dave could not swing a golf club and was restricted to putting only. After one year and over 500 matches played against some great putters, Dave had the idea to create the McCracken 22 Putting format. He wrote the standardized rules and created the custom scorecard that is used to keep score in each two-player match. The McCracken 22 Putting format is US Patent Pending. On May 31, 2026, The inaugural 2026 McCracken 22 Putting Challenge was contested at Diablo Creek GC in Concord, CA. Shortly after that event, the Northern California Section of the PGA of America Foundation agreed to partner with McCracken 22 Putting to hold an additional championship event in October of 2026 which raised charitable funds for the PGA HOPE Program that benefits veterans.
Our Experts
Our team of golf experts is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about the game. Four-time NCPGA Player of the Year Jason Schmul stated "this format is perfect...it is simple and inclusive". NCPGA Hope President, Tim Burr, has been instrumental in his guidance regarding the PGA Hope Program and how to make the McCracken 22 Putting Format beneficial to the golf clubs and PGA club professionals that will promote and run their Local Qualifier events.
Our Mission
The McCracken 22 Putting Challenge is dedicated to providing the highest quality golf tournament experience for Men, Women, Senior and Junior golfers of all skill levels. An event that will provide a one-of-a-kind putting competition that will be fun and exciting for the players and generate charitable funds to the PGA Hope Programs for veterans.
Our Vision
Our vision for 2026 is to run a limited number of events in Northern California with the goal to eventually have a National Championship that will raise a substantial amount of charitable funds for the PGA HOPE program.