There is no shame associated with being a  runner-up. In fact, when one considers the competitors to whom Chris Gebhard has finished second to, it can be quite an honor.

At the recent Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament, contested on Iron Valley’s 6,542-yard, par-72 course, Gebhard starred in the role of ‘bridesmaid’ – again.

Gebhard and partner Steve Allwein were bested by Mike Schmidt, Jr. and Ryan Weaber in a three-hole playoff for the title of the annual two-day event. The two teams had finished the 36 holes of regulation with identical 70-71=141 totals, or three-under par.

In June at Fairview Golf Course, Gebhard had finished second to Schmidt at the the Lebanon County Amateur Championship, after Schmidt scorched the Quentin course for an opening-round 66 or five-under par. That performance marked a record fifth time in which Gebhard had finished second at the County Amateur.

Known for his steady and even-keeled play locally, Gebhard has won the Lebanon County Amateur tournament twice and the county better-ball once. Gebhard is a former Vanderbilt University and Cedar Crest High School star.

– Jeff Falk