The two-shot penalty handed to Bryson DeChambeau at the Open Championship represented a straightforward call according to R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.

The American player's prospects of claiming the Claret Jug suffered after the sanction during dramatic moments following Friday's second round at Royal Birkdale.

Darbon noted he had received no contact from President Donald Trump, who shares a close connection with DeChambeau and had earlier urged Fifa to examine a suspension involving United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.

"It was an unfortunate decision but really clear-cut from a rules perspective," Darbon told BBC Radio 5 Live.

When questioned lightly by BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter about any call from Trump, he replied: "No. I have not received a call from President Trump and we will see what happens from here."

DeChambeau, aged 32, appeared positioned one shot from the lead on Friday after posting a four-under 66 to reach seven under par overall, yet incurred the penalty for disturbing long grass near his ball at the fifth hole.

Questions lingered over whether DeChambeau would proceed in the event, though he later stated the outcome would motivate him heading into the weekend.

The two-time US Open winner, now three shots behind Australian leader Lucas Herbert, is scheduled to start at 15:30 BST on Saturday.

Darbon declined to address whether DeChambeau had indicated a possible withdrawal on Friday evening.

"It's fair to say there was some emotion around that and we will keep some of the aspects of that discussion private," Darbon said.

He continued: "There was some emotion but I empathise with that. Bryson has played a great round of golf, is in contention at a major championship, he wants to win the golf's original major. We were focused on the ruling and making a fair assessment."

'Nobody bigger than the game' - DeChambeau's actions draw criticism

Although DeChambeau avoided media questions on Friday evening, he expressed his views clearly through late-night social media updates.

"Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don't agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let's get it," he posted on X shortly after midnight.

He additionally shared edited Instagram photos depicting himself hovering above the rough at Birkdale.

DeChambeau's vocal challenge to the rules, contrary to typical golf etiquette, has generated backing from supporters alongside criticism from others.

Observers have highlighted Ireland's Shane Lowry accepting a two-stroke penalty at the previous Open as a model response, noting the Irish player chose not to contest it to avoid any suggestion of impropriety.

Three-time Open champion Nick Faldo claimed DeChambeau was "losing the plot" at Birkdale and seeking to dominate attention.

This marks the second instance this week that Faldo has targeted the American, after suggesting DeChambeau lacked the strategic insight to win The Open.

"No player is bigger than the game. Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer] have left the arena and golf has gone on. Tiger [Woods] has gone quiet, golf has gone on. Once you're done, golf goes on. If he disappeared tomorrow, we'll say that was tough but we will go on."

Darbon stated he "did not know" if DeChambeau's conduct and online activity amounted to bringing the game into disrepute.

"I think it's an assumption to imply what Bryson is trying to communicate through his social media posts so it's not my place to comment on that," he added.