A Special Venue for Military Members

Just off the 13th green at Torrey Pines South is a VIP pavilion known as the Patriots’ Outpost. This unique space is sponsored by the Harbaugh Foundation each year during the Farmers Insurance Open, offering 3,000 active-duty and retired military members an opportunity to enjoy the tournament.

Joe Balla, president of the Harbaugh Foundation, described the experience as “like a family.” He noted that many attendees return year after year, appreciating the chance to see the green and be part of such a positive event. Balla emphasized the importance of supporting the military, stating that there is not enough being done for them in the country.

The foundation was established in memory of George Harbaugh, an Air Force pilot and avid golfer. For military members like Joseph Swann, a Houston native stationed in San Diego, the event holds special significance. “It’s not every day we can go to a PGA event,” he said. “It’s good to see people out here enjoying themselves and enjoying the game. The military can be stressful, but just to be able to come out here and bring a loved one or kids to enjoy this is special.”

Military Appreciation on the 13th Hole

The 13th hole serves as a stage for military appreciation, with the flagstick topped by an American flag and tended by a military member. Each day, a different service branch is represented. On Saturday, which was Navy Day, a uniformed serviceman stood at attention with the flagstick as players putted out.

Ricardo Lopez, a Florida native stationed in San Diego, had the honor of participating in this tradition. “It was a wonderful experience being up front with the players,” he said. “I really enjoyed it. It was quite an honor. (The players) all shook my hand and thanked me for being here.”

Many players and their caddies make it a point to shake hands with the servicemen, a gesture that has become a highlight of the event. However, this wasn’t always the case when the Patriots’ Outpost debuted 11 years ago.

A Shift in Attitudes

Joe Balla recalled that initially, golfers didn’t acknowledge the military as they came off the green. He suggested that players might throw a ball or give a high-five to the flag holder. In 2017, Balla mentioned this idea to a tournament official, who arranged for a young golfer named Jon Rahm to visit the outpost after his opening round.

“So Jon comes in, and he’s just delightful,” Balla said. “He’s signing hats and taking selfies with the guys. He takes me aside and says, ‘I’m a Spaniard. I grew up in Spain, played golf at Arizona State, but I’m so grateful to the military. Grateful to those who fought for my freedom to play the game.'”

Rahm’s visit helped change perceptions, and he later became a fan favorite after winning the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open with a dramatic 60-foot putt on the 18th hole.

Unique Broadcast Moments

A notable feature of the CBS broadcast is the walk-and-talk segment with a player on the 13th hole. Joel Dahmen was chosen for this segment on Saturday, but he faced some technical difficulties with his earbud after his tee shot. The issue was resolved before his second shot, only to reappear again. The broadcasters eventually gave up on trying to reconnect.

Jim Nantz joked about the situation, saying, “I don’t need any turndown service at the hotel. I’ve already been turned down twice.”

A Challenging Shot

Dahmen attempted to reach the 619-yard 13th hole in two shots but fell short, landing in a valley with a divot. Despite being only 105 yards away from the green, the poor lie prevented him from reaching the green on his third shot. He ended up needing six shots to complete the hole.

Golf’s principle of “playing the ball as it lies” means that divots are considered normal conditions. Unlike sprinkler heads or gopher holes, where relief is allowed, divots do not offer relief. Dahmen, who entered the final round in second place, carded his only bogey at the 13th due to the challenging conditions.

Dahmen called it “kind of a bad break.”

Records and Milestones

Justin Rose, who leads the tournament by six shots, had an eight-shot advantage after 10 holes. His performance threatened to match Tiger Woods’ eight-shot lead through 54 holes in 2008. Rose, at 45 years, 6 months, and 1 day old, is the first player aged 45 or older to lead a tournament by five shots or more since the PGA Tour began tracking such records in 1983.

Other Notable Notes

With the silver market dropping 25% and gold falling 8% on Friday, it would have been wise to invest in parking lot futures. Valet parking at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines increased from $75 on Thursday to $115 for the weekend. At that price, it’s expected that the car should come back washed and waxed.

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