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 start the year in the rankings. The top German is Matti Schmid at position 92, also the only German player in the Top 100. Stephan Jäger lost points compared to last year, dropping from 52 at the start of last year to 114 now.
The best German not playing on the PGA Tour is Nicolai Von Dellingshausen at rank 193. Marcel Siem improved his position after a T14 finish at the Dubai Invitational in the third weekend of January and now ranks 257. Marcel Schneider at 243 and Thomas Rosenmüller at 276 are also in the Top 300.
Sepp Straka in the Top 15
The highest-ranked player from the German-speaking region remains Sepp Straka at the start of 2026, positioned 12th. After taking it easy late last year due to family issues, Straka is now poised to challenge the Top 10 of the world rankings again in the upcoming year based on his prior results.
Scottie Scheffler Dominates at Number 1
The undisputed world number one is still Scottie Scheffler, leading by 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.