But yet again the PGA Tour event, which features thousands of fans surrounding the par-three 16th ‘stadium hole’, saw unruly behaviour with fights among spectators, a woman taken to hospital after falling from a stand, and alcohol sales being temporarily halted.
One man was arrested after jumping over the ropes and diving into a greenside bunker on the 16th, where he proceeded to perform ‘snow angels’ in the sand.
Johnson’s outburst was in a separate incident to Horschel, who shouted “buddy, when he’s over a shot shut the hell up man”, towards spectators who had heckled qualifier Galletti.
Former BMW PGA Championship winner Byeong Hun An said the event was “totally out of control on every hole” in a post on social media.
The incidents are the latest at an event that has increasingly become affected by rowdy behaviour, particularly on the 16th.
An almost naked spectator was arrested at last year’s tournament after streaking around the green before jumping in a nearby pond.
The previous edition saw fans routinely shower the hole with drinks bottles to reward a good shot – with one player being hit – while PGA Tour players Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen removed their shirts to the delight of baying fans.