AKRON, Ohio -- It's nothing new.

Wherever the most people are standing or sitting still, is where Tiger Woods is on the golf course.

And wherever the most people are moving toward, it's where they anticipate Woods will be in the next five or 30 minutes.

"I think it's fantastic they come out to support the event," Woods said after he shot a 2-under par 68 in Friday's second round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club.

"I know that I've gotten some pretty good galleries this year as I've come back, and the people are very appreciative and very thankful, and so am I."

Woods (66-68-134) stands at 6-under par for the tournament, five shots off the lead and in a tie for 10th place heading into Saturday's third round.

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So far, Bridgestone is another step forward for Woods as he continues his comeback from career-threatening knee and back injuries. He has four top-six finishes this season, including a sixth-place tie at the British Open that moved him to 50th in the Official World Golf Rankings, just good enough to earn him a berth at Bridgestone.

"This is very different than the years past, because I think a lot of people didn't know if I would ever play again," Woods said. "So, when they come out and support me this year, it's been a little more enthusiastic than in years past."

Woods has won eight Bridgestone Invitationals in 15 tries. His last tour win was in 2013 at Akron, and he missed this event the last three years because of the injuries.

Woods' presence has helped boost the crowds, though the tournament was a good draw when he wasn't in the field, too. This is the 20th and final Bridgestone Invitational, as the tournament will be moved to Memphis next summer. Akron will instead host the Senior Players Championship.

"Being here is definitely because of Tiger being here, and also this being the last (Bridgestone Invitational) here," said Dru Joyce II, who has coached Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary's boys basketball team to eight state championships, including two with LeBron James on the team.

"This has been a great run for the city of Akron. It's my home. I wanted to support it. I've tried to come here at least once each year, and with Tiger coming on strong, it was even more reason to."

Woods heard countless words of encouragement as he traveled the South Course with playing partner Jason Day, who's in a fourth-place tie at 9-under.

Fans shouted, "We missed you here, Tiger."

As Woods walked toward the green of the fifth hole, a middle-aged man good-naturedly used Woods' given first name, saying, "Knock it in, Eldrick." Woods did just that, canning a 10-foot putt that capped the key to his round - three birdies in a four-hole stretch.

Akron's Sterling Sparks, 12, and his grandfather, Al Hooker, 58, of Kent, followed Woods around the course.

"To see Tiger," Sterling said of the reason he was in the crowd. "He's coming back from injuries. He was better in his prime. He's still doing pretty good."

Massillon's Bruce Rainsberger, 68, and his wife, Bridget, 64, said they have been attending tournaments at Firestone since the 1960s.

"I feel bad about the tournament leaving here," said Bridget, "but we will still come here to watch the Seniors. They are as interesting."

Lifelong Akron residents and local golf league companions Gwenn Bull, 70, and Pam Rosnack, 57, would have been in attendance even if Woods had been absent.

"I'm saddened by it," Bull said of this being the final Bridgestone Invitational. "It was a good thing for our economy. I do think the Seniors tournament will be fun."

Woods being part of the field is only a bonus, according to Bull.

"I like seeing up close everybody who we see on TV," she said. "It's fun to watch players like Phil (Mickelson) and Ricky (Fowler)."