Possibly what you have is one of the "wolf spiders". People often simply make up names for many critters.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wolf spiders

Wolf spiders and lady bugs are probably the most abundant and effective beneficials in my garden.

This spring I found a wolf spider protecting an egg sac about every 3-5 sqft in my mulched areas. I was surprised at the density.

novice, what did your spider look like (other than the size)? The reason I ask is that you mentioned finding this spider in a hole. Trap-door spiders (sometimes called funnel web spiders) can be found in your neck of the woods.

Was it this guy?

We have these, but we only see them once or twice a year when the male comes out of the ground and goes looking for a mate.

Here is a link that might be useful: Purseweb Spider

I think it's also called a funnel web spider, i've seen a lot of wolf spiders, and this was NOT one of those. It was large, black and shiny, with very large, pale pink abdomen- best description i can give considering i covered him up quickly with dirt!

Your description is great, novice.

I'm a semi-reformed arachniphobe...this is one of the spiders that still gives me the absolute creeps. :-) Thanks for the shivers!

Lol, rhizo. Usually spiders don't bother me, when I was 18 I had a tarantula for a pet!!! I see spiders all over the place, and welcome them for their usefullness.
However, this spider was FREAKY and I myself got a few shivers after thinking what the ... is that?
Anyone else have these particular spiders around?

Paulaw: thanks for excellent website link. DANG. Didn't know there were THAT many types of insects lurking in my garden. Gives me shivers! Sudzy

Paulaw, he looked a lot like that, except abdomen was very large- maybe he was full from all the bugs!!! Yes, I believe that was it.