Finishing in 2nd Place at The Open: Rewards and Advantages
The Open, one of golf's most prestigious championships, is known for its high stakes and grand prizes. But even for the runner-up, there's much to be gained.
In 2025, the runner-up will receive a generous prize of $1.759m, a significant increase from the $1.443m earned by Billy Horschel and Justin Rose in their shared second place finish in 2024.
Finishing second also comes with the guarantee of a spot in the 2026 Masters as a top-four finisher. But that's not all. The runner-up at Royal Portrush will also earn 1,113 Race to Dubai ranking points, more than double the number earned by the winner of a DP World Tour's regular Global Swing event.
The winner, however, will reap even greater rewards. They will take home a staggering $3.1m, identical to the 2024 champion Xander Schauffele. Moreover, they will earn 750 FedEx Cup points, a significant boost compared to the 500 points typically earned by a victor at a PGA Tour's Signature Event.
The Open, with its overall purse of $17m for the second year in a row, offers a hefty sum for the champion. But it's not just about the money. The winner will also earn 835 Ryder Cup ranking points (for European players), or 2,638 points (for US players, calculated per $1,000 earned in a Major).
The Ryder Cup, a biennial battle between Team Europe and Team USA, offers automatic qualifying places for eligible players. European players at The Open can earn up to 5,000 Ryder Cup ranking points, compared to 1,000 offered at regular DP World Tour events.
In recent years, notable runners-up have included Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, and Phil Mickelson. Mickelson himself is a two-time runner-up, taking the silver salver in 2016 after finishing second to Henrik Stenson. Interestingly, the Silver Salver at The Open in 2016 was won by Mickelson as the leading amateur or notable runner-up; however, the official Silver Salver, awarded to the leading amateur, went to another player since Mickelson was a professional.
The runner-up at The Open is presented with a silver salver to keep, a symbol of their achievement. Finishing second also guarantees various exemptions into the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale, ensuring another chance to claim the coveted Claret Jug.
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