Tiger, Who? Safeway Open Attracts Huge Crowds To Napa Valley [PHOTOSHOW]

NAPA COUNTY, CA – Photos and post by Al Francis from the 2016 Safeway Open at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa Valley:

Tiger, who?

Thousands of Stephen Curry fans flocked to the Safeway Open PGA Pro Am event today at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa Valley. Not often seen at PGA tournaments are people walking around with basketballs and expensive sneakers in the hopes of getting them signed by their favorite Golden State Warrior. But the NBA MVP did not disappoint and took time between holes to provide autographs.

Curry said he had a lot of fun and thrilled his fans on the 18th hole of the North Course with a birdie.

"That's what golf does, which always entices you to come back no matter how you played" he said in the press room after his round.

Today's Safeway Open kicked off the PGA tour season with the Pro Am, but the real action runs Thursday through Sunday at the sprawling facility just east of the City of Napa.

There were many school-aged kids at today's event. And one having the thrill of his life was Kyle Wall -- a middle-school student who got to caddie for Curry!

Another popular golfer who drew large crowds was Phil Mickelson, just off the success of the Ryder Cup.

"I'm on an emotional high, and even though I've been running around this week," he said, "my energy level is up and I'm optimistic about having a good week."

"I love the golf course," he added. "It's in California and I'm excited to play."

Golf sensation Tiger Woods recently announced he would use the Safeway Open stage for his comeback after a year off due to back issues. As late as Friday, he committed to competing in the PGA opening season event at Silverado Resort, but dropped out just a few days before the event was to begin.

Also today at Silverado, PGA Tour Deputy Commissioner Jay Monahan announced that golfer Emiliano Grillo won the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award.

"When I got here on Monday, I can remember why I fell in love with this place,"Grillo said. "It's unbelievable. The golf course looks greener than last year, it's in great shape just like last year, but it looks better to the eye."

He added: "Hopefully the rain that's coming will stay away, and we have some good week of golf ... Hopefully, I can get back my trophy."

For the week's Safeway Open PGA schedule, follow this link.

Photo credit Al Francis of NapaSonomaPhotos.com.