As the eyes of millions of golfers from all over the world once again turn on the Open Championship, a long-time member of the sport’s most influential club, the Royal and Ancient in St Andrews, has reignited controversy over the distance travelled by the modern golf ball.

The R&A member, who does not want to be identified, has claimed the club’s powerful implements and ball committee, along with the USGA, has been “dragging its feet” over the issue for three years.

He said he is one of a number of enthusiasts who have been concerned about the “lack of interest” shown by the governing body in its failure to make a decision and come to grips with the multi-dimple golf ball.

Greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Peter Thomson have all commented on the situation and recently another giant of the game, 1967 Open winner Roberto De Vicenzo, said he worried the game is now easier because the ball is hit so far.

“To my certain knowledge he is one of a number of influential golfers, both amateur and professional, who are, and have been for several years, concerned with this problem,” the R&A member said.

He said the multi-dimple ball goes too far and many courses have found it necessary to lengthen some holes to accommodate the effect of high-tech equipment.

“Better people than me have said, to a considerable extent, that this would be overcome by the introduction of a new ball,” he said.

Yesterday a spokesman for the R&A said there are “many voices in golf” on the impact of technology and the club listens to all of them.

He said change is probably inevitable but it will be based on solid scientific evidence and the process takes time.

It was also pointed out that in St Andrews a new resource and equipment testing centre, complete with the most up to date radar and robotic technology, has just been opened.