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 shock development at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified following the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a violation of the so-called Model Rule G-11. Brennan used unauthorized materials for green reading analysis, which the Tour viewed as a clear breach of rules.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was tied 55th 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 PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official hole location information, and a course overview no larger than A4 size are allowed.
Handwritten notes may only be made by the player or caddie and must be based on personal observations such as ball rolls or subjective impressions of the putting greens. Detailed measurements or analyses made by third parties are expressly forbidden.
Initially, a violation carries a two-stroke penalty; only a subsequent violation results in disqualification. The PGA Tour has not specified when Brennan committed the infractions.
A Rule That Sparks Debate
The Model Rule G-11 has sparked discussions since its introduction. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then Players Council President, defended the rule vigorously. He stated many players had become too reliant on 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 diminish individual strengths and advantages.”
Alex Cejka also faced disqualification in 2022 under this rule after 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