Michael Brennan was disqualified from the Farmers Insurance Open by the PGA Tour due to a controversial rule after round one.
Disqualification After Round One on the PGA Tour
Shock at the Farmers Insurance Open: Michael Brennan was excluded from the tournament after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a violation of the so-called Model Rule G-11. Brennan used unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, which is a clear breach of the rules according to the Tour.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was two strokes under par, tied for 55th place.
What the Model Rule G-11 Allows and Prohibits
Since January 2022, this rule has significantly limited the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official information on hole locations, and a course overview in a DIN A4 format are permitted.
Handwritten notes may only be made by the player or their caddie based on their own observations, such as studying rolled or played balls or subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are explicitly prohibited.
The rule initially prescribes a two-stroke penalty for a violation. Only a subsequent violation leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not disclosed when Brennan’s violations occurred.
A Rule Surrounded by Debate
Model Rule G-11 has been controversial since its introduction. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the players’ council, defended the rule strongly, saying many players had gotten lazy when reading greens. “It’s not a huge advantage,” McIlroy said, “but it removes a skill that takes 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 shortly after its implementation, being disqualified in 2022 for using an unapproved yardage book.
Hole locations for the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open pic.twitter.com/P4L6jEz39B
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 31, 2026