The “Tiger effect” at this year’s U.S. Open at Pebble Beach

Fans stormed the grounds of Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monday for the kick-off of U.S. Open week. Several big name golfers played in practice rounds, but the biggest following, unsurprisingly, was Tiger Woods.

Three days before the opening round of the 119th U.S. Open, Woods fans were on the prowl.

“We had to run down to the course to go see him, but we caught him,” Florida resident Peter Wills said.

“We’ve seen him on TV, but this is the first time in real life,” San Jose resident Pranav Palleti said.

Nearly two decades ago, Woods had one of the greatest victories of all-time at the U.S. Open right here at Pebble Beach and his fans this week are anxiously awaiting a second act.

“Overall he won The Masters, so I think he’s got a good chance,” Monterey resident Giuseppe Pellegrino said.

When Woods slid on the Green Jacket in April, with his Masters win and first major in over a decade, he reminded everyone just who Tiger is.

“He’s an inspiration to all the kids who wanted to play golf, that’s how I got into 20 years ago,” Pellegrino said. “Watching him play my son as well that’s the reason he came out.”

Tiger fan or not, there’s something about the “Tiger red” on Sunday afternoon walking up the glistening 18th hole and maybe he’ll hoist the coveted U.S. Open trophy once again.