In 2026, VcG introduces the German Swing with three new Pro Golf Tour events in Germany, each offering €40,000 prize money.
2026 marks a special year for German professional golf: for the first time, the Association of Club-Free Golfers in the German Golf Association (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 will feature €40,000 in prize money.
Three tournaments, three states, €40,000 prize each
“With our new commitment to the Pro Golf Tour, we aim to specifically promote German talents. Our goal is to enable as many young professionals as possible to gain international tournament experience and help them advance to higher levels 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 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 express great enthusiasm for 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 it as a top-quality host venue. Similarly, Achim Lehnstaedt, Club Manager of Golf and Country Club Cologne, says, “We are creating a platform for young talents seeking entry into international professional golf – linking our tradition with the future of the sport.” Golf-Club Neuhof also highlights the event’s importance in fostering young players.
The clubs boast notable tournament histories. Legends such as Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Seve Ballesteros played at the Golf and Country Club Cologne during the German Open. Golfclub Owingen-Überlingen hosted the INGUN Cup and was part of the European Seniors Tour, while Golf-Club Neuhof has hosted multiple 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 stepping stone for aspiring golfers: the top five on the Order of Merit earn full playing rights on the HotelPlanner Tour, and the best players are exempt from the first stage of Qualifying School, a vital step toward eligibility for the DP World Tour. A prominent success story is Martin Kaymer, who won five tournaments on the Pro Golf Tour in 2006 and progressed through this stage and the Challenge Tour (