That makes sense. At the 36, it is a 53 yard or so field goal. At the outer range of most kickers and pretty low percentage, so you give the ball to the oppon

That makes sense. At the 36, it is a 53 yard or so field goal. At the outer range of most kickers and pretty low percentage, so you give the ball to the opponent at the 40 something yardline with high probability. On the other hand, its also close enough to be very difficult for a punter to pin in inside the 5 or 10, so even if you fail you only give the opponent 16 yards over a punt. But the holes at the your own end you mentioned, that makes no sense at all.