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.

Golf really is only about Putting

Considering the most amounts of shots you’ll play in a round of golf will consist of putts it’s essential that you’re able to sink your putts as confidently as possible

 

Putting is all about reading the green

Learning how to putt has to exist as a priority for every golfer. Firstly it’s necessary to record the amount of shots you take. When you score your card take note of the amount of putts you take on each hole. Anymore than two putts on a hole then there’s a problem that needs addressing to make you a better golfer.

Always ensure that you’re gripping the putter correctly

 

Although there are many different variations displayed by the professional golfer, the most traditional remains appropriate. The traditional grip features both your thumbs running down the putter handle forming a straight line, one above the other. Your fingers will naturally adopt a grip at the back of the handle.

It’s essential that you hold the putter firmly but not too tight

 

The analogy is to hold it like a tube of toothpaste exerting just enough pressure to squeeze but making sure no paste comes out. Keep your wrists firm and locked with your forearms, shoulders and chest. They should act as a single unit with no individual movement. The movement comes from the chest rotating as a single unit.

Never rest your putter on the ground keep it just hovering above the grass

 

Your legs should be supportive and firm with no movement up or down. When you can visit a local golf club and use their practice putting green. Many golfers don’t consider it necessary to practice the most used shot in golf. However you’ll see improvements in your game if you get used to the feel of putting. This remains especially important before your round commences.

Golf remains a very demanding mental game so you need to putt with confidence

Make sure that all obstacles are removed from your balls path. Leaves, twigs, worm-casts and small stones should all get removed prior to you taking your putt. A large part of being mentally focused remains trusting your minds-eye. This exists as a visual image in your mind of what you are going to do. It needs forming in your mind before you actually putt.

By taking into consideration the slope of a green and the condition of the grass

 

Whether or not the cup is up or down-hill from your putting position you will be able to clearly visualize in your mind the line you need to take to get the ball to drop. Now with your practice putts hit the imaginary ball and see it roll and drop into the hole.

Improving your golf putting through using the previous tips will see your score dramatically reduce. Keep you body aligned to the hole while ensuring your grip remains both correct and at the right pressure. Practice before a round keeping the mental image of how the ball rolls into the hole.