Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open after round one due to a controversial rule violation.
Disqualification After First Round on the PGA Tour
In a shocking turn at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified from the tournament following 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, considered a clear breach of the rules by the Tour.
At the time of his disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was tied for 55th place at two under par.
What the Model Rule G-11 Allows and Prohibits
The rule, effective since January 2022, significantly restricts the use of analytical aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official flag position information, and a course overview in a maximum DIN A4 format are permitted.
Handwritten notes may only be added by the player or their caddie based on their own observations, including rolled or played balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or externally created green analyses are expressly forbidden.
The regulations first impose a two-stroke penalty for a violation. A subsequent breach leads to disqualification. When Brennan committed the violations has not yet been disclosed by the PGA Tour.
A Rule That Sparks 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 grown increasingly reliant on aids for 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 also faced the rule after its introduction, having been disqualified in 2022 for 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