Phil Mickelson draws big crowds and support in Akron

Akron -- Tiger Woods still draws the biggest crowds at the Bridgestone Invitational, but Phil Mickelson is giving him a run for his money; while at the same time raising money and awareness for a disease that he's had to confront.

"Things at home are going much better, and we had a great six weeks," Mickelson recently told reporters about his mother and wife's battle with breast cancer.

"I don't want to get too specific, but it has worked out as well as it could have."

Mickelson, whose return to the game came at Firestone Country Club in Akron has been well received by fans, eager to root on both he and his family.

"It connects with me personally because my mom is a breast cancer survivor for 20 years," said golf spectator Chad Frazier of Concord. "So it's a pretty special thing for us."

Tournament organizers have also posted several tables around the event for patrons to donate to breast cancer research.

On Sunday, fans will be drinking out of pink cups to show signs of support also.