In 2026, VcG launches the German Swing: three new Pro Golf Tour tournaments in Germany with €40,000 prize money each.
2026 will be a special year for German professional golf: For the first time, the Association of Non-Club Golfers within the German Golf Association (VcG) will support three new professional tournaments on the Pro Golf Tour in Germany. The ‘VcG Bodensee Open’, the ‘VcG Köln Open’ and the ‘VcG Neuhof Open’ will form a German Swing, where international young talents will compete on three renowned courses in June 2026. Each event is endowed with €40,000 in prize money.
Three tournaments, three federal states, €40,000 prize money each
“With our new commitment to the Pro Golf Tour, we aim to promote German talents specifically. Our goal is to provide as many young professionals as possible with international tournament experience and to pave their way to higher classes and the major tours,” explains Marco Paeke, Managing Director of VcG. The tournaments take place in Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse: from June 9 to 11 at Golfclub Owingen-Überlingen (VcG Bodensee Open), from June 16 to 18 at Golf and Country Club Cologne (VcG Köln Open), and from June 23 to 25 at Golf-Club Neuhof near Frankfurt am Main (VcG Neuhof Open).
The involved clubs are enthusiastic about the premiere. Jean-Claude Parent, President of Golfclub Owingen-Überlingen, emphasizes that hosting a German Swing tournament crowns the club’s sporting ambitions and presents the facility as a host of the highest quality. Similarly, Achim Lehnstaedt, Club Manager of Golf and Country Club Cologne, states: “We create a platform for young talents seeking a path to international professional golf – thus connecting our tradition with the future of golf.” Golf-Club Neuhof also underscores the event’s importance for nurturing young players.
The clubs have a remarkable tournament history. At Golf and Country Club Cologne, legends like Gary Player, Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros competed in the German Open. Golfclub Owingen-Überlingen hosted the INGUN Cup and was part of the European Seniors Tour, while Golf-Club Neuhof has hosted several German championships in youth and senior categories.
The Pro Golf Tour as a springboard for professionals
The Pro Golf Tour itself is recognized as an official springboard for aspiring golfers: The top five in the Order of Merit receive full playing rights on the HotelPlanner Tour, while the best players are exempt from the first stage of the Qualifying School, an important step toward eligibility for the DP World Tour. A notable example of success on the tour is Martin Kaymer, who won five tournaments on the Pro Golf Tour in 2006 and progressed via this and the