What Is Greens in Regulation (GIR)?
Greens in Regulation: Reaching the green in the expected number of strokes — par minus 2.
Greens in Regulation — full definition
A green is hit “in regulation” (GIR) when any part of the ball is on the putting surface in the expected number of strokes: par minus 2. That means reaching the green in 1 on a par 3, 2 on a par 4, or 3 on a par 5. PGA Tour players average about 65% GIR. Tracking GIR is one of the most predictive stats for scoring — more greens hit means more birdie putts.
Greens in Regulation — frequently asked
Greens in Regulation — what counts as GIR?
- Any part of the ball on the putting surface in par minus 2 strokes
- Par 3: reach in 1 | Par 4: reach in 2 | Par 5: reach in 3
Greens in Regulation — why is it important?
- PGA Tour average: about 65% GIR
- One of the most predictive stats for scoring
- More greens hit = more birdie putts = lower scores
More on Greens in Regulation
GIR is an approach-play stat, so it is downstream of two things you can actually measure: how far you carry it, and whether the ball stops.
- Launch monitor comparisonCarry distance per club is the number GIR is built on.
- Golf ball spin chartIron spin decides whether an approach holds the green.
- Golf rangefindersThe right number in your hand before the swing.
Other scoring & stats
Fairways Hit
The percentage of tee shots on par 4s and par 5s that land in the fairway.
Putts Per Round
Total putts in a round — PGA Tour average is about 29.
Up and Down
Getting the ball in the hole in two shots from off the green — one chip, one putt.
Sand Save
Getting up and down from a greenside bunker — one bunker shot and one putt.