A “green in regulation,” also abbreviated GIR, is a statistical category that tracks the number of greens the professional golfer reached within the allowed amount of strokes. To calculate the permitted number of strokes for reaching a green, take the par value and subtract 2 from it (which stands for two putts that you’re allowing yourself). To achieve a green in regulation, your golf ball must be on the putting surface in the expected number of strokes in relation to par. And the par number for a hole always includes two putts. The greens in regulation statistic is a great way to measure your ability to hit your approach shot onto the green. On a par 4 hole, you would hit your drive into the fairway and then hit your second shot to the green. Then you would have two putts to get the ball into the hole to make par on the par 4 hole.  In order to earn a GIR, your ball must be on the putting green within the following strokes for each par value: