Assuming no other playfield could be found, Iād pull that abomination out, fill the hole with a dowel, scrape/sand it flush, and lacquer over it. Basically fix it as if it was a guitar with an extra hole added... There will always be a scar, but the game will play as it should and the rest should clean up nicely. Looks like a worthy project on a popular game.
Good luck,
Dave