In 2026, VcG launches the ‘German Swing’: three new Pro Golf Tour events in Germany with €40,000 prize money each.
2026 will be a special year for professional golf in Germany: For the first time, the Vereinigung clubfreier Golfspieler im Deutschen Golf Verband e.V. (VcG) will support three new professional tournaments on the Pro Golf Tour in Germany. The ‘VcG Bodensee Open’, ‘VcG Köln Open’ and ‘VcG Neuhof Open’ create a dedicated ‘German Swing’, where international young talents will compete on three renowned courses in June 2026. Each event is endowed with €40,000 prize money.
Three tournaments, three federal states, €40,000 prize each
‘With our new commitment on the Pro Golf Tour, we want to specifically promote German talents. Our goal is to provide as many young professionals as possible with international tournament experience and pave their way to higher leagues and major tours,’ explains Marco Paeke, Managing Director of VcG. The tournaments will 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- und Land-Club Köln (VcG Köln Open), and from June 23 to 25 at Golf-Club Neuhof near Frankfurt am Main (VcG Neuhof Open).
The participating 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- und Land-Club Köln, states: ‘We create a platform for young talents seeking their way into international professional sports – thus connecting our tradition with the future of golf.’ Golf-Club Neuhof also underscores the event’s importance for promoting young players.
The clubs boast an impressive tournament history. Legends like Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Seve Ballesteros played at Golf- und Land-Club Köln during the German Open. Golfclub Owingen-Überlingen was host to the INGUN Cup and part of the European Seniors Tour, while Golf-Club Neuhof has hosted multiple German championships in youth and age group categories.
The Pro Golf Tour as a springboard for professionals
The Pro Golf Tour itself is considered an official stepping stone for aspiring golfers: the top 5 of the Order of Merit receive full playing privileges on the HotelPlanner Tour, while the best players are exempted from the first stage of qualifying school—a crucial step toward eligibility for the DP World Tour. A prominent example of the tour’s success is Martin Kaymer, who won five tournaments on the Pro Golf Tour in 2006 and qualified via this stage and the