By Cameron MacGregor, Northern Region Executive Director
During the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, PGA TOUR player Michael Brennan was disqualified for a Rules of Golf violation. While situations like this are rare — and unlikely to affect most amateur golfers — they provide a timely reminder about the role of Local Rules and how they differ between professional and amateur competitions.
Why was he disqualified?
The violation involved Model Local Rule G-11, which is in effect on the PGA TOUR. This rule prohibits the use of green-reading materials that provide detailed slope, contour, or elevation information. Brennan was found to have used a yardage book that did not comply with this Local Rule.
Why do PGA TOUR Local Rules matter?
Professional tours often adopt additional Local Rules that go beyond what most amateur players encounter. These rules are designed for highly skilled fields and are intended to preserve traditional skills and competitive balance.
A well-known example is the “One-Ball Rule,” which requires a player to use the same brand and model of golf ball for the entire round. This Local Rule is standard on the PGA TOUR and at USGA championships like the U.S. Open, but it is rarely in effect for club championships or regional amateur events. So yes, for most amateur competitions, it’s still okay to pull out that “water ball” on the par-three over the lake.
Why does the TOUR ban green-reading books?
The PGA TOUR adopted this restriction to:
- Preserve traditional green-reading skills
- Prevent an “information race” driven by advanced analytics
- Ensure fairness for players without access to specialized mapping technology
In short, TOUR players are expected to read greens with their eyes and feel — not a cheat sheet.
Does this affect Nevada Golf members?
Most likely, no.
Any Local Rules in effect for a Nevada Golf event will always be clearly listed in the Terms of the Competition or Notice to Competitors. If a Local Rule is not listed, it is not in effect.
When in doubt, always check with a rules official before your round. It’s the easiest way to avoid an unexpected penalty… or worse.
KIITF — Keep It in the Fairway
