Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open due to a controversial rule violation after the first round.
Disqualification After First Round on the PGA Tour
In a surprising turn at the Farmers Insurance Open, Michael Brennan was disqualified after the first round of the tournament. The PGA Tour confirmed a breach of the so-called Model Rule G-11, citing Brennan’s use of unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, which constitutes a clear rules violation from the Tour’s perspective.
At the time of his disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner stood at two strokes under par, tied for 55th place.
What the Model Rule G-11 Allows and Prohibits
In effect 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 not exceeding A4 size are permitted.
Handwritten notes may only be added by the player or their caddie based on personal observations, such as seeing ball rolls or subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or third-party green analyses are expressly forbidden.
The rule initially imposes a penalty of two strokes for a violation, with disqualification following a subsequent offense. When exactly Brennan violated the rule has not been disclosed by the PGA Tour.
A Rule Sparking Debate
Since its introduction, Model Rule G-11 has generated discussion. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then president of the players’ council, defended it strongly, stating many players had grown complacent in 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 eliminate individual strengths and edges.”
German player Alex Cejka also ran afoul of this rule after its introduction, being disqualified in 2022 for using 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