Matti Schmid starts 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 begins, we look at the rankings with which German players enter the year. Matti Schmid is the best German, ranked 92nd, and also the only German player in the top 100. In contrast, Stephan Jäger lost points compared to last year, dropping from 52nd at the start of last year to 114th.
The best German not playing on the PGA Tour is Nicolai Von Dellingshausen, ranked 193rd. Marcel Siem has already improved his position after his T14 finish at the Dubai Invitational in the third weekend of January, now ranking 257th. Marcel Schneider and Thomas Rosenmüller also remain within the top 300, at 243rd and 276th respectively.
Sepp Straka in the Top 15
The highest-ranked player from the German-speaking region remains Sepp Straka at the start of 2026. He is ranked 12th after taking it easy due to family issues late last year. Thanks to his results from the previous year, Straka is now poised to challenge the top 10 in the world rankings again this coming year.
Scottie Scheffler Clearly Leading
The undisputed world number one remains Scottie Scheffler, holding over a 200-point lead ahead of second-placed Rory McIlroy. Completing the top five are England’s Tommy Fleetwood, along with Americans Xander Schauffele and Russell Henley.