Golf Tourney -- Extra Protection for Tiger Woods

The golfers aren't the only people looking to knock Tiger Woods off his game at the upcoming Quail Hollow Championship -- officials are beefing up security to make sure the hecklers stay away from the world's most famous athlete.

TMZ spoke with the tournament's Executive Director Kym Hougham -- who tells us that in light of the drama surrounding Woods, they are taking the necessary steps to make sure he gets through his rounds undisturbed ... which means more hired muscle than usual.

Woods received similar treatment at the Masters -- but hecklers were still able to penetrate the sky.