Matti Schmid starts 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 begins, we look at where German players stand entering the year. Matti Schmid leads as the best German at rank 92 and is the only German player in the Top 100. Stephan Jäger, who was ranked 52 at the start of last year, lost points and now ranks 114.
The highest-ranked German not playing on the PGA Tour is Nicolai Von Dellingshausen at rank 193. Marcel Siem has moved up after finishing T14 at the Dubai Invitational in the third weekend of January, now ranked 257. Marcel Schneider at 243 and Thomas Rosenmüller at 276 are also within the Top 300.
Sepp Straka in the Top 15
The highest-ranked player from the German-speaking region at the start of 2026 remains Sepp Straka, positioned 12th after taking it easy late last year due to family matters. Thanks to last year’s results, Straka is poised to challenge the Top 10 of the world rankings again this coming year.
Scottie Scheffler Clearly Leading
The undisputed No. 1 in the world remains Scottie Scheffler, leading by 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.