Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open due to a controversial rule after the first round.
Disqualification After Round One on the PGA Tour
Shock at the Farmers Insurance Open: Michael Brennan was disqualified after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a violation of the so-called Model Rule G-11, as Brennan used unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, a clear breach according to the Tour.
At the time of his disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was tied for 55th place at two strokes under par.
What the Model Rule G-11 Permits and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, this rule significantly restricts the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official information about hole locations, and a course overview no larger than A4 paper are permitted.
Handwritten notes may only be made by the player or their caddie based on their own observations, such as reading rolled or played balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are explicitly prohibited.
The rule stipulates an initial penalty of two strokes for a violation, with disqualification following a second offense. The PGA Tour has not disclosed when Brennan’s infractions occurred.
A Rule Stirring Debate
The Model Rule G-11 has sparked discussions since its introduction. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the players’ council, defended the rule strongly, stating many players had grown complacent in reading greens. “It’s not a huge advantage,” McIlroy said, “but it takes away a skill that requires time and practice. Reading greens is an art, and these aids negate individual strengths and advantages.”
German player Alex Cejka was also disqualified under this rule in 2022 due to an unauthorized yardage book.
Hole locations for the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open pic.twitter.com/P4L6jEz39B
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 31, 2026