Incresed security at Pebble Beach this year

Security has been increased at this week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, in part to ensure Tiger Woods doesn't have a repeat of a problem from last year.

The increased scrutiny stems from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and an incident last year in which a fan approached Woods for an autograph and stepped on the golfer's foot.

Woods twisted his knee, briefly jeopardizing his appearance in the tournament.

Plainclothes escorts will accompany the players this year, even during practice rounds, said Marty Haskell, head of tournament security. Overall, security personnel will be increased by about one-third.

Haskell said most of the escorts are members of the Monterey County Sheriff's Department and the pro golfers will be issued more escorts than usual.

``With Tiger and a few others, we have a high level of things going on to supplement the PGA Tour's own security,'' Haskell said.

Spectators must pass through extensive bag checks before entering the tournament.

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