Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Greens in Regulation (GIR) records whether the ball reaches the putting green in par minus two strokes or fewer, leaving at least two putts available for par. That means one stroke on a par 3, two on a par 4, or three on a par 5.
How it matters in match play
GIR is a performance statistic, not a separate match-play scoring rule. Alex may count a GIR after reaching a par-4 putting green in two strokes, while Ben may miss it; the match is still decided by each player's Hole Score. Comparing GIR can explain ball-striking patterns, but it does not award a hole, stroke or concession by itself.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Greens in Regulation |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 13.1a (ball on the putting green); GIR itself is a statistical convention, not a Rules-defined scoring result |
| Related concepts | Putting Green, Par, Scrambling, Putts per Round, Score Relative to Par |
Worked example
On a par-5 hole, Alex reaches the Putting Green in three strokes and Ben reaches it in four, so Alex records one GIR and Ben records none; if Alex then takes two putts, the Hole Score is 5.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 13.1a (ball on the putting green); GIR itself is a statistical convention, not a Rules-defined scoring result
Sources: golf.com.au , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is a Green in Regulation?
A Green in Regulation is reaching the putting green in par minus two strokes or fewer: one stroke on a par 3, two on a par 4, or three on a par 5. The statistic is usually recorded as a percentage of greens hit during a round.
Does a GIR require making par?
No. GIR measures when the ball reaches the putting green early enough to leave at least two putts for par. A player can record a GIR and still make Bogey, or record no GIR and still save Par through Scrambling.
Does Greens in Regulation decide a match-play hole?
No. GIR is only a statistic. In Match Play, the hole goes to the player or side with the lower Hole Score, unless the hole is Halved Hole or is Conceded under the applicable competition arrangements.