A green in regulation (GIR) is a golf statistic that measures whether or not your ball finishes on the green in two strokes fewer than the par of the hole. Since the par on each hole accounts for two putts, hitting a green in regulation affords you two putts to make par on the hole. 

Here’s the number of strokes it takes to hit a green in regulation on par 3, par 4, and par 5 holes:

• Par 3: 1 stroke
• Par 4: 2 strokes
• Par 5: 3 strokes

In order to count a green in regulation, you must hit the putting surface, the fringe does not count. Being on the putting green comes with its own set of rules that don't apply when you're on the fringe. If your ball comes to rest on the green but up against the collar of the fringe, it does count as a GIR.

Now that you know what a green in regulation is, would you be surprised to learn that of all the golf stats a player can keep, greens in regulation is one of the most predictive of your score and handicap?