President Donald Trump described Bryson DeChambeau’s disputed two-stroke penalty at The Open as a “tough call”, after the golfer reportedly considered seeking his help during a disagreement with officials. Trump did not intervene, but his comments add political attention to a rules controversy involving the LIV Golf player.

DeChambeau received the penalty during last week’s Open Championship and was involved in a heated exchange with rules officials, according to the report. Trump made his remarks to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, saying he sympathised with DeChambeau’s position while stopping short of challenging the decision directly.