Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open due to a controversial rule after round one.
Disqualification After Round One on the PGA Tour
In a shocking development at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified from the tournament after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a violation of the so-called Model Rule G-11, which prohibits the use of unauthorized materials for green analysis. This was deemed a clear breach of the rules by the Tour.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was tied for 55th place at two under par.
What the “Model Rule G-11” Permits and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, this rule significantly restricts the use of analytical aids. Only yardage books authorized by the PGA Tour, official information on pin placements, and a course overview no larger than A4 size are allowed.
Handwritten notes may only be added by the player or their caddie and must be based on their own observations, such as watching putted or rolled balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or analyses done by others are explicitly forbidden.
The rule initially prescribes a two-stroke penalty for a violation. A second violation leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not yet disclosed when Brennan’s violations occurred.
A Rule with Debate Potential
The Model Rule G-11 has sparked debates since its introduction. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the players’ council, supported the rule strongly, stating that many players had become too reliant on external aids for reading greens. “It’s not a huge advantage,” McIlroy said, “but it removes a skill that requires time and practice. Green reading is an art, and these aids negate individual strengths and advantages.”
Alex Cejka was also affected by this rule early on and was disqualified in 2022 for using 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