Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open due to a controversial rule after the first round.
Disqualification After First Round on the PGA Tour
In a shock 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 equipment for green reading analysis, a clear violation according to the Tour.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner stood tied 55th at two under par.
What Model Rule G-11 Allows and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, this rule significantly restricts the use of analytical aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official flag position details, and a course overview not exceeding A4 size are allowed.
Handwritten notes can only be made by the player or caddie based on their own observations, such as ball rolls or subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are expressly forbidden.
The rule initially penalizes violations with two strokes; a subsequent offense leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not disclosed when Brennan’s violations occurred.
A Rule with Controversy
Model Rule G-11 has sparked debate since its introduction. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the Player Advisory Council, supported the rule strongly, stating that many players had become too reliant on technology for reading greens. “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 negate individual strengths and advantages.”
German professional Alex Cejka was also disqualified under this rule 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