Matti Schmid begins 2026 as the highest-ranked German on the golf world rankings, followed by Stephan Jäger and Nicolai Von Dellingshausen.
Only One German in the Top 100
As the 2026 golf season kicks off, we look at how German players are ranked heading into the new year. Matti Schmid leads as the best German at rank 92 and is the only German player within the Top 100. Stephan Jäger, who was ranked 52 at the beginning of last year, has dropped points and now sits at 114.
The best German player not competing on the PGA Tour is Nicolai Von Dellingshausen at rank 193. Marcel Siem has already improved his standing after a T14 finish at the Dubai Invitational in the third weekend of January, now ranked 257. Also in the Top 300 are Marcel Schneider at 243 and Thomas Rosenmüller at 276.
Sepp Straka in the Top 15
The highest-ranked player from the German-speaking region remains Sepp Straka at the start of 2026, currently ranked 12th. Despite taking it easy late last year due to family issues, Straka is poised to challenge the Top 10 again this year based on his past performances.
Scottie Scheffler Clearly Leading
World number one Scottie Scheffler still holds an unchallenged lead with over 200 points ahead of second-placed Rory McIlroy. The Top 5 is rounded out by England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Americans Xander Schauffele and Russell Henley.