The Farmers Insurance Open: A Model for Airspace Security at Major Sporting Events

Farmers Insurance Open, a highlight of the PGA TOUR calendar. Hosted by the Century Club at the breathtaking Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California, the tournament had it all: elite competition, stunning views, and dramatic playoff moments.

But what spectators and viewers at home didn’t see was the meticulous work happening behind the scenes to protect players, spectators, and sponsors.

For the third year running, tournament organizers relied on SkySafe’s drone detection technology to quietly ensure the tournament remained safe from potential drone threats. Here’s how our UAS detection software helped maintain airspace security while fans and players focused on the game.

The Scenic Stage—and Its Unique Challenges

Perched on coastal cliffs with endless ocean views, Torrey Pines is nothing short of iconic. One of the few public golf courses to host major tournaments, it’s a bucket-list destination for golfers and one of the most celebrated stops on the PGA TOUR. But its location brings unique challenges for a tournament of this scale—particularly given the growing threat of drones.

Spanning two massive championship courses, Torrey Pines covers a lot of ground. With cliffs overlooking a public beach and multiple access points adding to the complexity, managing security is a logistical puzzle. With fans spread out across miles of fairways, keeping the skies clear over such a sprawling environment isn’t easy.

Whether hobbyists flying for fun (albeit sometimes recklessly) or malicious drone operators intentionally looking to disrupt, drones can interfere with live broadcasts, threaten spectator safety, and put sponsorships at risk. That’s why the Century Club of San Diego, the tournament’s organizers, turned to SkySafe to protectively identify, track, and analyze drones above the fairways.

Why a Cloud-Based Drone Security System Was the Right Fit

With 30,000 fans attending the Farmers Insurance Open each year, event organizers have their hands full. Adding the burden of installing and maintaining additional hardware for a drone security system just wasn’t practical. That’s why they chose SkySafe—our cloud-based drone detection software eliminates the need to purchase or manage extra equipment.

"Once we signed the contract, SkySafe came out and mapped both courses at Torrey Pines within a week," explains Andrew Harmatys, the tournament’s Chief Operating Officer. "It was a one-stop shop. We didn’t have to invest in any hardware or equipment."

When SkySafe arrived at Torrey Pines to provide drone monitoring support at the tournament last week, we installed our sensors near the course in under an hour. Our team then monitored drones in the Unified Command trailer, where security experts—including law enforcement—were simultaneously overseeing the event’s CCTV security cameras. This close collaboration with law enforcement and the event’s security team made it easy to work in tandem to ensure quick and effective responses to potential threats.

Keeping the Tournament Disruption-Free

In 2024, SkySafe detected 12 unauthorized drones during the tournament, and local law enforcement intercepted nine of the operators before they could cause any disruptions. “With SkySafe, we could actually see where drones were launched,” says Harmatys. “From there, we worked with law enforcement to dispatch officers and engage with those operators immediately.”

This year, SkySafe once again proved critical in ensuring player, staff, and spectator safety. One of the standout moments during the tournament came when SkySafe detected a rogue drone flying above the course, near an active aircraft—within several hundred feet of the Goodyear Blimp. SkySafe immediately flagged the operator’s location and notified law enforcement. They dispatched officers to the precise spot, effectively neutralizing any potential disruption before it could escalate.

This level of precision is what sets SkySafe apart from other drone security systems. Rather than scrambling to react to drone sightings with limited information, the team had real-time, actionable intelligence at their fingertips. This proactive approach turns potential threats into well-managed situations, ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and securely.

Protecting the Integrity of the Event

SkySafe didn’t just protect the airspace from rogue drones—it also supported the seamless operation of authorized drones, a vital need for the Farmers Insurance Open. Drones used by NBC Golf Channel, CBS, and law enforcement were tagged and allowlisted, allowing them to operate without interference. At the same time, unauthorized drones were instantly flagged and their launch locations pinpointed before any incidents occurred.

This level of control was crucial to preserving the integrity of live coverage and sponsorship agreements. The Farmers Insurance Open isn’t just a sporting event—it’s a large-scale production with millions of dollars riding on broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and exclusive agreements. Unauthorized drones capturing aerial footage pose a real threat—not only to spectator safety but also to the exclusivity of live broadcasts and the protection of contractual agreements.

By allowlisting approved drones and helping quickly neutralize unauthorized ones, SkySafe helped ensure a disruption-free event. Tournament organizers and media partners could focus on delivering an exceptional experience for fans without concerns over security breaches or financial risks.

Setting the Standard for Drone Defense at Major Sporting Events

The success of SkySafe’s UAS detection technology at the Farmers Insurance Open offers a blueprint for how organizers of major sporting events can effectively manage airspace security. By safeguarding fans, players, and sponsors while protecting valuable broadcasting rights, the tournament proved how proactive drone defense can improve both safety and operational efficiency.

“If you have the ability to further protect your fans, sponsors, and players, why wouldn’t you do it?” adds Harmatys. “I know that SkySafe will be part of the Farmers Insurance Open moving forward.”

Building on this success, Harmatys and his team are now looking to expand SkySafe’s technology to other high-profile tournaments at Torrey Pines. This partnership demonstrates how the right drone security system can eliminate potential disruptions, helping organizers focus on what matters most: delivering a world-class experience for the fans.

Ready to Take Control of Your Airspace?

From major sporting events to universities and power plants, SkySafe helps organizations identify, track, and analyze drones that may pose security threats. Schedule a demo to see how our drone detection technology can help you stay one step ahead.