Patriots' Outpost Honors Military at Torrey Pines

Harbaugh Foundation sponsors VIP tent for active-duty and retired service members at Farmers Insurance Open

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The Patriots' Outpost, sponsored by the Harbaugh Foundation, is a VIP pavilion located just off the 13th green at Torrey Pines South that hosts 3,000 active-duty and retired military members during the Farmers Insurance Open each year. The tent provides a special experience for the service members, who get to enjoy the tournament and be recognized for their service.

Why it matters

The Patriots' Outpost is an important initiative that honors and supports the military, a group that the article's author believes does not receive enough recognition in the country. The event provides a special experience for service members and their families, allowing them to enjoy the golf tournament in a dedicated VIP setting.

The details

The Patriots' Outpost is the legacy of the late George Harbaugh, an Air Force pilot and golf enthusiast. The Solana Beach-based Harbaugh Foundation sponsors the tent each year, inviting 3,000 active-duty and retired military members to enjoy the tournament. The 13th hole is the stage for military appreciation, with the flagstick topped by an American flag and tended by a military member whose service branch changes each day.

  • The Patriots' Outpost has been a part of the Farmers Insurance Open for 11 years.
  • On Saturday, it was Navy Day, with a uniformed serviceman standing at attention with the flagstick as the players putted out.

The players

Joe Balla

President of the Harbaugh Foundation, which sponsors the Patriots' Outpost.

Jon Rahm

A young golfer who visited the Patriots' Outpost after his opening round in 2017, signing autographs and taking selfies with the service members, which helped grow his fan base.

Joel Dahmen

A golfer who was chosen to do a walk-and-talk interview on the 13th hole during the broadcast, but had issues with his earpiece and was unable to complete the interview.

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What they’re saying

“It's like a family. Some have been out here six, seven years in a row, and they love it. It's one of the best venues on the course. They get to see the green. And it's just a terrific event. There's not enough being done for our military in this country, in my opinion. It's just a blessing for our foundation to be able to give back.”

— Joe Balla, President, Harbaugh Foundation (macon.com)

“This means a lot, especially for being an avid golfer. It's not every day we can go to a PGA event. … It's good to see people out here enjoying themselves and enjoying the game. The military can be stressful. Everybody has an array of different jobs, but just to be able to come out here and to bring a loved one or kids to enjoy this is special.”

— Joseph Swann, Houston native stationed in San Diego (macon.com)

“It was a wonderful experience being up front with the players. I really enjoyed it. It was quite an honor. (The players) all shook my hand and thanked me for being here.”

— Ricardo Lopez, Florida native stationed in San Diego (macon.com)

What’s next

The Patriots' Outpost will continue to be a part of the Farmers Insurance Open in the coming years, providing a special experience for active-duty and retired military members to enjoy the tournament.

The takeaway

The Patriots' Outpost is an important initiative that recognizes and supports the military, a group that often does not receive enough appreciation in the country. The event provides a unique and meaningful experience for service members and their families, showcasing the golf tournament's commitment to honoring those who have served.