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 surprising turn at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a violation of the so-called Model Rule G-11. Brennan had used unauthorized materials for green reading analysis, which the Tour viewed as a clear breach of the rules.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was two shots under par and tied for 55th place.
What the Model Rule G-11 Permits and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, this rule tightly restricts the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official flag position information, and a course overview no larger than A4 size are permitted.
Handwritten notes may only be added by the player or caddie based on their own observations, such as rolled or played balls and subjective putting green impressions. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are explicitly forbidden.
The rule initially imposes a two-stroke penalty for violations. Only a subsequent infraction leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not disclosed when Brennan’s violations occurred.
A Rule Sparking Debate
The Model Rule G-11 has been controversial since its implementation. Rory McIlroy, then president of the player council, defended the rule in 2022, explaining that many players had become too reliant on aids for green reading. “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 nullify individual strengths and advantages.”
German player Alex Cejka was also disqualified in 2022 after using a non-approved yardage book under this rule.
Hole locations for the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open pic.twitter.com/P4L6jEz39B
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 31, 2026