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 PGA Tour
In a shocking 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 tour regulations.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner was two strokes under par, tied for 55th place.
What Model Rule G-11 Permits and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, this rule significantly limits the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official flag position information, and course overviews no larger than A4 size are allowed.
Handwritten notes are permitted only if made by the player or their caddie based on personal observations, such as watching ball rolls or 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 a violation, with disqualification resulting after a subsequent offense. The PGA Tour has not yet specified when Brennan committed the violations.
A Rule That Sparks Debate
Since its introduction, Model Rule G-11 has sparked discussions. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then President of the Players Council, defended the rule strongly, stating many players had become too reliant on reading greens tools. “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 also faced disqualification in 2022 under this rule 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