Michael Brennan was disqualified from the Farmers Insurance Open by the PGA Tour due to a controversial rule violation after round one.
Disqualification After First Round at the PGA Tour
In a shocking development at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a breach of the so-called Model Rule G-11. Brennan used unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, which the Tour considered a clear rules violation.
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 limits the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official flag position information, and a course overview up to the size of an A4 sheet are allowed.
Handwritten notes may only be made by the player or their caddie based on their own observations, such as balls rolled or played and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or analyses created by others are expressly forbidden.
The rule initially imposes a two-stroke penalty for a violation; only a subsequent violation leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not disclosed when Brennan committed the violations.
A Rule with Room for Debate
Since its introduction, Model Rule G-11 has sparked discussions. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the Player Advisory Council, defended the rule strongly: many players had become 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 affected by this rule when he 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