Li was penalised two shots on the 72nd hole after allegedly being lined up by his caddie on the green.

It dropped the defending champion from a tie for third to a tie for 12th

The penalty cost the Chinese world number 44 $90,540 (£68,754) in prize money.

While Pelley believes the decision was correct, he is unhappy that referees cannot use their discretion.

"Everyone I have spoken to about this believes, as I do, there was no malice or intent from Li Haotong, nor did he gain any advantage from his, or his caddie's split-second actions," Pelley said.

"Therefore the subsequent two-shot penalty was grossly unfair in my opinion."

Pelley says he has already addressed the matter with the game's governing body

"Let me state initially that, under the new Rules of Golf issued on 1 January 2019, the decision made by our referees was correct, under the strict wording of the rules," he added.

"It is my strong belief, however, the fact there is no discretion available to our referees when implementing rulings such as this is wrong and should be addressed immediately.

"I have spoken personally to R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers to voice my opposition to the fact there is no discretion available to our referees in relation to this ruling, and I will be making additional representation to the R&A in the near future to discuss the matter further."