Tiger Woods causes frenzy in US Open first round as Phil Mickelson's woes continue
Tiger Woods birdied the first hole
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Tiger Woods was not even on his second hole of the 2024 US Open before people began dreaming of major No 16.
The 48-year-old was one of the early groups out for the first round of the US Open at Pinehurst, starting on the par-five 10th hole.
And he got off to the perfect start with an accurate drive down the middle of the fairway.
A wayward second shot landed in the treacherous sandy rough, but Woods rolled back the years with a brilliant wedge shot that ended up within 15 feet of the hole.
Tiger Woods birdied the first hole
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And he drained the birdie putt to take a share of the lead in the early stages of the round.
Huge roars erupted in the crowd after Woods' putt dropped in and being in the red sent many fans on social media crazy.
One message read: "TIGER WOODS IS CURRENTLY LEADING THE U.S. OPEN."
Another posted: "I don't care if it's only through one hole; seeing this headline makes me happy."
A third wrote: "I don't want to alarm anybody but Tiger Woods is the early leader at the US Open."
One other person said: "The GOAT IS BACK."
It was a different story for Woods' old foe Phil Mickelson, who started his round with six bogeys through the first nine holes.
The US Open is the only major that has evaded Mickelson in his career having finished second or tied-second on six occasions.
But he's endured a difficult run at majors in recent months and has missed the cut in three of his last four.
And Mickelson already faces a tall order to make it through to the weekend at Pinehurst at this year's US Open.
Tiger Woods finished the front nine one-over par
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The North Carolina resort's Number Two course has historically been a tricky test for every golfer over the years.
Only four players have finished 72 holes under par in the three previous US Opens held at Pinehurst No 2.
Speaking earlier this week, Woods spoke of his confidence about being in contention to win the US Open.
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“I feel like I have the strength to be able to do it. It's just a matter of doing it," he said.
“This golf course is going to test every single aspect of your game, especially mentally, and just the mental discipline that it takes to play this particular golf course, it's going to take a lot.
“We've been working on that and making sure that I understand the game plan and be ready in two more days.”