Matti Schmid begins 2026 as the highest-ranked German golfer in the 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 starting the year. Matti Schmid leads as the top German, positioned at 92nd, and he is the only German player within the Top 100. Stephan Jäger, who was ranked 52nd at the beginning of last year, lost some ground and currently stands at 114.
The highest-ranked German not active on the PGA Tour is Nicolai Von Dellingshausen at 193. Marcel Siem improved his position after a T14 finish at the Dubai Invitational in mid-January, now ranking at 257. Also within 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, holding 12th place. Despite taking it easy late last year due to family matters, Straka’s performance last year positions him well to challenge the top 10 again this year.
Scottie Scheffler Leading by a Wide Margin
The undisputed world number one remains Scottie Scheffler with a lead of over 200 points ahead of second-ranked Rory McIlroy. The Top 5 is rounded out by England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Americans Xander Schauffele and Russell Henley.