At Golfaq.com, we aim to decipher even the densest of golfing stats for our readership. So when one of our forum moderators asked about the importance of greens in regulation, I dove into the PGA Tour rulebook for clarification. 

Understanding Greens in Regulation (GIR) in Golf

According to the official scoring definition, here’s what qualifies as a GIR:

Any part of the ball must be resting on the putting green surface itself. Not perched in fringe or collateral rough, but actually making contact with the dancefloor. Additionally, the number of shots taken to reach said green must be at least two fewer than the hole's par rating.

****Criteria for Earning a GIR

• Par 3s – Reach the putting surface with your tee shot
• Par 4s – Find the green in two shots or less
• Par 5s – Land your third shot on the green
• Par 6s (rare) – Get there in four shots or fewer counts as well

Now we all know actually holing that final putt is the true goal on each hole. But achieving a GIR with the expected number of strikes sets the stage for a quality score. After all, that’s where two-putts for par and short birdie tries await.

The stats don’t lie – touring pros thrive because 70% or more of their approach shots end up on the green. And casual golfers drop strokes primarily by missing the short stuff regularly.

So whether you’re a 17-handicap just trying to break 100 or a +1 hoping to take a run at your club championship, boosting GIR percentage needs to be a primary focus. 

Jordan Spieth lines up a putt after hitting the green in two. Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

Decoding GIR Hurdle on Each Par

After consulting the PGA Tour rulebook for scoring clarification, here’s the key thing to understand - GIR thresholds directly relate to the two-putt assumption built into each hole’s par.

Specifically:

On par 3s, subtracting those final two putts means reaching the green with your initial tee shot.

For par 4s, par includes two putts. So landing your second shot on the dancefloor nets that coveted GIR.

And par 5 GIR troubles wrap up on the third shot thanks to factoring in the eventual pair of putts.

Now it all makes logical sense - these totals align with holing your ball in the expected number of strokes. 

The Importance of GIR for Amateurs

It’s important to note that in order to claim a proper GIR on your scorecard, the ball must be resting on the actual putting surface – not perched in fringe or rough. As the PGA Tour rules state explicitly, any contact between ball and green qualifies after your regulation shot on each par.

For high-handicap players especially, finding a GIR is no small feat. But that’s what makes tracking this stat so useful - seeing your GIR rate climb over time is a sure sign of improvement. The best way to monitor is by faithfully noting GIRs on your scorecard after each round.

Additionally, the term “greenie” refers casually to a GIR. And bets called “Greenies” between groups are a fun way to keep scores interesting. 

When talking GIR, we can’t overlook the tour pros who set the gold standard. All the major circuits - PGA, LPGA, European Tours - calculate GIR percentage based on greens found out of total holes played.

Pro Golfers Set the Bar High with Greens in Regulation

A quick look at the current leaders’ boards shows just how tantalizingly close to perfection the world’s best player placement is. Meanwhile, breaking 60% GIR for an entire PGA season would be a dream for us amateurs!

Some additional insights that stood out - Tiger’s astonishing 75.15% GIR campaign in 2000 that still reigns as the single-season high. And Justin Rose holding down the second spot by nailing over 70% back in ‘12. Truly outstanding ball-striking under extreme pressure.

We also can’t neglect to mention that no golfer has achieved the seemingly impossible feat of zero-missed greens over a full 72 holes on tour. Goes to show how small the margins are at elite levels.

****GIR Statistics in Professional Golf

• PGA Tour - Tiger's incredible 75.15% season in 2000. Simply astounding ball-striking control.

• European Tour - Rose shot an outstanding 80.8% way back in '12. Goes to show quality translation from across the pond.

• LPGA Tour - Two legends share the high mark, with Sorenstam nailing 79.7% in '01 and '02. Amazing consistency at the highest levels.

****For amateur golfers, GIR percentages vary by handicap

• 25+ handicap: 16%
• 20 handicap: 20.4%
• 15 handicap: 25.9%
• 10 handicap: 34.6%
• 5-0 handicap: 45-58%

I was also fascinated to uncover no player has made all 72 Greens at a PGA event. However, Peter Jacobsen and Jerry Kelly came agonizingly close at 69 GIR in 1995 and '96 respectively, holding the 4-round record. Hitting that sheer number with pressure amplifies their shot-making prowess.

Records are meant to be broken, but these heights prove how infinitely small margins define greatness. It's sure to spark renewed GIR focus in players worldwide. Let me know if any other questions come up!

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