Michael Brennan was disqualified by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open following a controversial rule after round one.
Disqualification After Round One on the PGA Tour
A shock at the Farmers Insurance Open: Michael Brennan was disqualified after the first round. The PGA Tour confirmed a violation of the so-called Model Rule G-11. Brennan used unauthorized materials to analyze the greens, which is a clear breach of the rules according to the Tour.
At the time of disqualification, the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship winner stood at two under par, tied for 55th place.
What the ‘Model Rule G-11’ Allows and Prohibits
Effective since January 2022, this rule significantly restricts the use of analysis aids. Only PGA Tour-approved yardage books, official information on pin placements, and course overviews no larger than A4 size are permitted.
Handwritten notes may only be made by the player or their caddie based on their own observations, such as reading rolled or played balls and subjective impressions of the putting green. Detailed measurements or green analyses created by others are explicitly forbidden.
The rule initially calls for a two-stroke penalty for a violation. A repeated offense leads to disqualification. The PGA Tour has not disclosed when Brennan’s infractions occurred.
A Rule That Sparks Debate
Since its introduction, Model Rule G-11 has been a subject of controversy. In 2022, Rory McIlroy, then the Players Council President, spoke in defense of the rule, stating many players had grown complacent in reading greens. “It’s not a huge advantage,” said McIlroy, “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 player Alex Cejka was also disqualified under this rule 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