Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open due to a controversial rule violation after round one.
Disqualification after Round One on the PGA Tour
In a surprising turn at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified following the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed he violated the so-called Model Rule G-11 by using unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, a clear breach of the Tour’s regulations.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was tied for 55th place at two under par.
What the ‘Model Rule G-11’ Permits and Prohibits
Implemented in January 2022, this rule significantly restricts the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official information on pin positions, and course overviews in a maximum A4 format are allowed.
Handwritten notes are permitted only by the player or caddie and must be based on their own observations, such as the path of rolled or played balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or analyses created by others are expressly 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 infractions occurred.
A Rule That Sparks Debate
The Model Rule G-11 has been controversial since its inception. In 2022, then-Players’ Council president Rory McIlroy defended the rule, stating many players had become too reliant on aids when reading greens. “It’s not a huge advantage,” said McIlroy, “but it takes away a skill that requires time and practice. Reading greens is an art, and these aids eliminate individual strengths and advantages.”
German pro Alex Cejka also fell foul of the rule shortly after its enforcement, being 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