What does GIR on the Green in Golf Mean?

The Importance of the GIR Stat

Well GIR means Greens in Regulation. GIR then simple means getting your golf ball onto the green to give you 2 shots to get the ball in the hole. Sounds easy right? Well yes and no. So for example 

• 3 par hole – ball on the green after the first shot
• 4 par hole – ball on the green after second shot
• 5 par hole – ball on the green after the third shot

The ball has to be ON the golf green, not on the fringes.

Why is GIR Important?

Well it can help you analyze your golf game. In reality you should be noting your GIR either on your scorecard or using a digital tool. The reason being is it can help you identify the weak area of your game. But to get a full picture we need to look firstly at your tee shot. How many of you tee shots hit the fairway? This should also be recorded. Let’s say you get 50% on the fairway, that’s really good! But in relation to GIR, is it enough? For example if you get 100% GIR but fail to make PAR then there’s obviously an issue with your putting that needs to be addressed.

If you are getting 0% GIR then the fault lies somewhere else either in your tee shots, or follow up shots (second and third).

If you are hitting the fairway 100% of the times and are still not getting GIR then the fault is in your follow up golf shots and this then needs to be addressed.

Focus on the weak point in your game

Remember it's impossible to improve all of your golf game and golf swing simultaneously. Instead you need to focus on the weakest part, the part that is costing you most in terms of scoring – whether it be stroke or stableford for example.

To track your stats as well as offering GPS positioning so you know the precise yardage to the green I would recommend the Garmin Approach G6 Handheld Touchscreen. Not only does this excellent golfing tool record your essential stats like Fairways Hit and GIR, it has full color touch-screen technology and is waterproof!

Remember golf is about stats, and lowering your GIR is the key to lowering your golfing score. Working out the weakest element of your game allows you to focus all of your energy into becoming a stronger better golfer.