Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open after a controversial rule violation ended his tournament after round one.
Disqualification After Round One on the PGA Tour
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, stating that Brennan used unauthorized materials for green reading analysis, which is considered 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 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 pin location information, and a course overview in a maximum DIN A4 format are allowed.
Handwritten notes may only be added by the player or their caddie based on personal observation, such as notes from rolled or played balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are explicitly prohibited.
The rule initially penalizes violations with two penalty strokes; disqualification occurs only after a further violation. The PGA Tour has so far not disclosed when Brennan’s infractions happened.
A Rule Sparking Debate
Model Rule G-11 has been controversial since its introduction. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the Player Advisory Council, spoke out in its defense, saying many players had become complacent with green reading. “It’s not a huge advantage,” McIlroy said, “but it takes away a skill that requires time and practice. Green reading is an art, and these aids nullify individual strengths and advantages.”
German player Alex Cejka also faced disqualification under this rule in 2022 for using an unauthorized yardage book shortly after the rule’s implementation.
Hole locations for the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open pic.twitter.com/P4L6jEz39B
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 31, 2026