Change at the Top of the DGV: Kobold and Battermann Will Not Seek Re-election

Claus M. Kobold will not seek reelection as president at the DGV Annual Meeting on April 24, 2027, after twelve years in office. Bernhard May has announced his candidacy to succeed him. Vice President Achim Battermann is also stepping down at the end of his term. Michael Marbler has announced his candidacy to succeed him.

Claus M. Kobold has led the DGV since 2015. Upon his second reelection in 2023, he was confirmed for a third term with 88.3 percent of the vote; that term ends next spring.

His twelve-year tenure has been marked by positive developments in German golf. The number of registered golfers has continued to rise, while the financial situation of golf clubs and courses has remained stable even during challenging times. At the same time, important issues for the future have been advanced. Sustainability and biodiversity have become firmly established in the association’s work. In 2026, the DGV, state golf associations, and other German golf organizations agreed on a joint, environmentally focused sustainability strategy. Digitalization has also been further developed, including through the planned digital DGV membership card.

In the sport itself, support for young players and talent development was further expanded. Programs such as “Abschlag Schule” and the structures in competitive sports now form a seamless development path from entry-level play all the way to elite competition. A highlight was Esther Henseleit’s silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Another particular priority for Kobold was dialogue with the members. The hearing introduced at the Association Day has become an integral part of the exchange between the DGV and golf clubs. Even at the 2026 Association Day, Kobold emphasized direct and open communication “on equal footing” as a key element of the association’s work.

Facts, Figures, and Data: Here’s the State of the German Golf Association in 2026.

Achim Battermann ends his term

There will also be a change in the position of Vice President. Achim Battermann is ending his term, which has also been in place since 2015. Battermann has helped shape the DGV, particularly in economic and organizational terms. Under his leadership, the association’s financial stability, as well as the scope and quality of services for DGV members, were continuously enhanced.

In addition, he championed the further development of competitive golf in Germany within the DGV and the Association of Non-Club Golfers (VcG), where he has also served as Vice President since 2015. High-profile events such as the Amundi German Masters, the Ladies German Challenge, and the German Challenge created additional platforms for German golf and elite sports. He served as interim managing director of Deutsche Golf Sport GmbH (DGS) from January through July 2018.

Battermann also represented the interests of German golf at the European level. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Chief Financial Officer of the European Golf Association (EGA) and was a member of its Executive Committee.

Bernhard May is running for the position

Bernhard May could succeed Kobold. He recently announced his willingness to run at a meeting of the DGV State Council, which has pledged its unanimous support for his candidacy. The 59-year-old has been president of the Würzburg Golf Club since 2017 and a member of the DGV Presidium since 2023. Since 2024, he has also served as president of the Leading Golf Clubs of Germany.

May brings decades of experience in golf club management, golf course operations, and association work. As a business graduate and managing director of Golfplatz Würzburg GmbH, he understands the economic and operational challenges of golf courses from firsthand experience.

Michael Marbler is running for Vice President

Michael Marbler is running for the office of Vice President. The 62-year-old has been President of the Baden-Württemberg Golf Association (BWGV) since 2024 and represents the interests of Baden-Württemberg’s golf clubs on the DGV’s State Council. Marbler also expressed his interest during the recently held meeting of the State Council and was likewise assured of the necessary support.

A graduate in business administration, he works as an independent auditor, tax consultant, and senior executive advisor in the Stuttgart region.

The Association Convention on April 24, 2027, will decide on the DGV’s new leadership. Nominations may be submitted until then.

(Text: German Golf Association)