The first official steps in the founding of Turton Golf Club were taken in August 1908, although the idea had been stirring for several years before that. Efforts had been made to obtain suitable land and eventually one of the favoured sites was secured. Arrangements were made through Colonel Winder for the lease of Wood End Farm on the Knowles estate on the hillside above Bromley Cross.

The farm had an area of over 75 acres which would allow "a sporting 12-hole course with land reserved for a ladies’ course" and possibly an extension to 18 holes at a later date. The course was designed by the great golf professional Alec Herd, who had won the Open at Hoylake in 1902.

 Alec Herd

Course designer Alec Herd returned to Turton in 1909 to play a celebratory match against another well-known professional, WJ Lever of Worsley. During the match Herd set a course record of 73. The Bolton and District Championship competition for men was launched in 1913 and Arnold Brown of Turton became the first winner.

The club’s first President was a prominent Bolton architect and JP John Bradshaw Gass. His contribution to the development of the club was immense, and indeed he was to remain in office until his death in the summer of 1939.

 Rev James Platt

On November 28th 1908, only four months after the lease of the land had been arranged, the course was open for business. Rev James Platt, Vicar of St Anne's Church in Turton, had been elected the first Captain and he and the President played the inaugural match on that day.

Care for the newly-acquired clubhouse and the land resided for the first 10 years in the hands of John and Sarah Trickett, the first steward and stewardess. John took on the mowing of the course while Sarah provided the teas for the golfers.

 John and Sarah Trickett

The basis on which the club is currently run was laid down in 1921 when a limited company, The Turton Golf Club Limited, was formed. By the 36^th AGM in March 1956 there was a record membership with the 150^th player admitted to the club. In 1975 they had more success on the course when Margaret Elsworth became the club’s first Bolton Lady Champion.

The lack of a large enough space for dining had always restricted the kind of events which could be held in the clubhouse. In the mid-1980s this was addressed;  internal alterations took place and a new dining room was opened in February 1987.

In 1990 the course was extended to 18 holes with the purchase of 73.26 acres of land from the Liversedge family. The last three of the new holes were opened in mid-1994 when the first competition on the full 18 was President’s Day.

Turton moved up a league as the new century got into its stride, with the arrival first of a part-time and then a full-time professional. The new first tee, built to commemorate Turton’s Centenary Year, was officially opened on May 10th, 2008.