GOLF'S governing body is to reconsider its stance on single-sex clubs as men-only Muirfield stages the 142nd Open, which starts today.

Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, took a swipe yesterday at "posturing politicians" before admitting that the furore over single-sex clubs could damage the Open championship.

Speaking in the wake of the boycott by First Minister Alex Salmond of the Open at Muirfield. Mr Dawson said: "When things are quieter, after the championship, I'm quite sure we'll be taking a look at everything to see what sense we can make of it for the future.

"We've got politicians posturing, we've got interest groups attacking the R&A, attacking the Open, attacking Muirfield.

"Our natural reaction is to resist these pressures because we actually don't think they have much substance. But I'd like to stress we're not so insular as to fail to recognise the potential damage that campaigns like this can do to the Open championship."

Muirfield, Troon and Royal St George's are all on the Open rota despite not allowing female members.

Mr Salmond has described single-sex memberships as "indefensible in the 21st century".

Speaking at the traditional pre-tournament media conference, Mr Dawson said the issue of gender and single-sex clubs had been "beaten to death recently" but admitted the R&A was finding the subject increasingly difficult.

He added: "We will have a good look at what people are saying, try to take a view about all of this and find the most sensible way forward.

"I'm absolutely not going to pre-empt what's going to come out of this. I wouldn't even want to call it a review, but we're very conscious of the disparity of view on this subject."

He was dismissive about any suggestion of linking single-sex clubs to other forms of discrimination.

He said: "There's a massive difference between racial discrimination, anti-Semitism where sectors of society are downtrodden and treated very, very badly, indeed. To compare that with a men's golf club I think is frankly absurd. There is no comparison whatsoever."

Asked if there had been any discussion with the three clubs over the gender issue, Mr Dawson said: "I'm absolutely not able to say anything more. We do believe that membership policy is a matter for the clubs."

He added it would be "a hard push" to alter the R&A's position on that, and said: "We happen to believe that very strongly."

Rory McIlroy, the world number two, joined the debate, saying: "In terms of life in general, I think men and women are treated equally for the most part these days. That is the way it should be."

Responding to Mr Dawson's comments, Mr Salmond said: "I welcome reports the Royal & Ancient is to reconsider its position on men-only clubs.

"For the organisers of golf's oldest major championship to undertake this is a step in the right direction which will also be welcomed by everyone who loves the game.

"Scotland is proud of its tradition as the Home of Golf. However, if we are to be the future of this great game it is only right we have equality between men and women."