Runner-Up
The Runner-Up is the second-placed player of a tournament, i.e. the loser of the final or the player behind the winner.
The term comes from English and literally denotes the one running second. In Stroke Play the runner-up is the player with the second-best stroke count, in Match Play the loser of the final. They stand on the Ranking directly below the champion and usually receive the second-largest share of the prize money at professional tournaments. In the amateur sphere the runner-up is often the second trophy or medal place.
For you as a club golfer the runner-up is relevant above all in the tournament context. An example: In the club championship match play you win the quarter-final and the semi-final but lose the final on the 18th hole. You are the runner-up — a finalist without the title. In net and gross competitions there are often separate second places, so the Gross runner-up is the player with the second-best absolute stroke count, regardless of the handicap.
A widespread misconception is the devaluation of second place. At professional level, runner-up in a big tournament means a world-class performance and often world ranking points in the double digits. A second point: With a tie for the win there is no runner-up in the true sense — then a play-off decides, and only the loser of the play-off becomes second. Anyone who wants to understand tournament formats finds the basics at Stableford and the frequently asked questions.
FAQ
Is there a runner-up when there is a tie for first place?
No, not directly. With a tie for the win a play-off decides, and only the loser of the play-off becomes second. As long as the play-off is running, there is therefore no runner-up yet — the title of second place only comes into being with the decision.
Is second place in a tournament really a good performance?
Absolutely. Runner-up in a big professional tournament means world-class level and often brings substantial world ranking points and the second-largest share of the prize money. At club level too, reaching the final in match play is a success you should not talk down.
What does gross runner-up mean at a club tournament?
That is the player with the second-best absolute stroke count, i.e. without taking the handicap into account. Many tournaments score net and gross separately, so there are also separate second places per competition. You can find the basics of the tournament formats at stroke play and Stableford.