Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open due to a controversial rule after round one.
Disqualification After First Round at the PGA Tour
In a shock development at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed that Brennan violated the so-called Model Rule G-11 by using unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, which the Tour views as a clear breach of the rules.
At the time of his disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was sitting tied for 55th place at two strokes under par.
What Model Rule G-11 Permits and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, Model Rule G-11 severely 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 allowed.
Handwritten notes may only be added by the player or their caddie and must be based on their own observations, such as watching rolled or played balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are explicitly forbidden.
The rule initially imposes a two-stroke penalty for a violation. Only a subsequent violation leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not yet specified when Brennan’s infractions occurred.
A Rule Subject to Debate
Since its introduction, Model Rule G-11 has sparked discussion. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the Players Council, defended the rule, stating many players had become too 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. Green reading is an art, and these aids eliminate individual strengths and advantages.”
German player Alex Cejka was also disqualified under this rule after its introduction in 2022 for using a non-approved yardage book.
Hole locations for the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open pic.twitter.com/P4L6jEz39B
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 31, 2026