Michael Brennan made headlines when he won in his first PGA Tour start just three months ago. Fast forward to this week and he’s in the news for a variety of reasons.
Brennan, 23, was disqualified Thursday after the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. 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 material.”
Model Local Rule G-11 went into effect in 2022 and covers course mapping features and green contour displays, as well as commission-approved distance books.
“During a round, the player may use only the distance books approved by the Commission,” the rule states. “This restriction also applies to all other maps of the course, including hole location data. Additional restrictions apply to handwritten notes and other materials used by the player that may assist in reading the line of play on the putting green.”
A memo to the Tour announcing the rule in 2021 said the goal was to “return to a position in which players and caddies use only their skill, judgment and feel, along with all the information acquired through experience, preparation and practice, to read the line of play on the putting green.”
The Tour did not clarify the type of infringement and has yet to respond 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 started his season with a missed cut at the Sony Open and finished 56th at the American Express last week.
In October, Brennan received a sponsor exemption for the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort, and in his first PGA Tour start as a professional, he won by four, allowing him to skip the Korn Ferry Tour and earn a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
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