What counts as a green in regulation
You hit a green in regulation (GIR) when your ball is on the putting surface with two strokes to spare for par:
| Hole | On the green in |
|---|---|
| Par 3 | 1 stroke |
| Par 4 | 2 strokes or fewer |
| Par 5 | 3 strokes or fewer |
The fringe doesn't count; the ball has to be on the green itself. A chip-in from off the green is a great score but not a green in regulation.
The easy way to count it after the hole: score minus putts. If it's par minus 2 or less, you hit the green. A 5 with 2 putts on a par 4 is 3 strokes to reach the green, so no GIR. A 5 with 3 putts is 2, so yes. That only works if you count just the strokes from on the green as putts.
Why it matters
Hit the green in regulation and par is two putts away; miss it and you need an up and down. That's why GIR follows scoring more closely than almost any other stat: better golfers aren't only better putters, they putt for par far more often.
What's a good GIR?
Rough figures for 18 holes:
| Golfer | Greens hit |
|---|---|
| Tour professional | About 12 (two in three) |
| Scratch | About 10 to 11 |
| 10 handicap | About 6 to 7 |
| 20 handicap | About 3 |
The best target is your own number plus one: every extra green is another putt for par.
How to hit more greens
- Take one more club. Most amateur approach shots finish short. Club up and swing smooth.
- Aim at the middle. Unless you have a short iron in your hand, ignore the flag. The middle of the green is the biggest target, and a long putt beats a chip from the short side.
- Set up the approach. On par 5s and long par 4s, lay up to the distance of your favorite full wedge rather than leaving an awkward half shot.
- Keep the tee shot in play. You can't hit a green from behind a tree. A fairway is worth more than 20 extra yards.
Updated November 13, 2026 by the Greens team.