Michael Brennan stormed to victory in his first PGA Tour start just three months ago. Fast forward to this week, and he’s in the news for different reasons.
Brennan, 23, was disqualified after the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on Thursday. In a brief statement, the PGA Tour said the disqualification was “for a violation of Model Local Rule G-11; use of unauthorized green reading materials.”
Model Local Rule G-11 went into effect in 2022 and covers course map features and green contour displays, as well as “Committee Approved” garden books.
“During a round, the player may only use the book(s) approved by the Committee,” the rule states. “This restriction also applies to any other maps of the course, including hole location sheets. Additional restrictions apply to handwritten notes and any other material used by the player that may assist in reading the line of play on the putting green.”
or memo for the tournament announcing the rule in 2021 said the goal was “to return to a position where players and players use only their own skill, judgment and feel along with any information gained through experience, preparation and practice to read the line of play on the green”.
The Tour did not clarify the nature of the violation and has not yet responded to GOLF.com’s request for comment.
Brennan opened the Farmers with a two-under 70 on the North Course and was tied for 55th before the DQ. The PGA Tour rookie began his season with a missed cut at the Sony Open and was tied for 56th at American Express last week.
In October, Brennan received a sponsor’s exemption from the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort, and in his first PGA Tour start as a professional, he won by fourallowing him to skip the Korn Ferry Tour and earn a two-year exemption to the PGA Tour.
