GALLERY: Fans Turn Out in Droves as Pinehurst Plays Host to the U.S. Open

PINEHURST, N.C. - Golf has seen a bit of an upswing with fans in recent years, and this week the fans have shown just how much, as they turned out in big ways for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.

The USGA estimated that 250,000 people will make their way around the course this week, and even with blazing heat and humidity, that seemed like an underestimated number on Saturday.

Even without Tiger Woods around for the weekend, or the world's best golfer, Scottie Scheffler, in contention, the fans weren't dissuaded.

Pinehurst No. 2 has homes lining many of the holes, and enterprising groups have made the most of that, with party decks and celebrations happening to see over the temporary blackout fencing.

Saturday, the biggest crowds gathered around Bryson DeChambeau and Ludvig Aberg in the final pairing. And while the cheers were plenty loud for Aberg, it was DeChambeau that was getting the biggest support. At one point, DeChambeau actually apologized to fans for putting his driver back in his bag, and taking a safer approach with a long-iron.

Sunday will see another scorching day on the course, with DeChambeau looking solid to be in the hunt for another U.S. Open championship. If that does happen, the fans at Pinehurst No. 2 should be plenty happy.