The "Horsforth Golf Club" was formed by a number of residents on 8th November, 1906. Funds were immediately raised by eighteen gentlemen promising Life Membership for themselves and their wives.

It was soon decided to form a Company limited by guarantee and take lease of land on the Rawdon Estate from W.E.J. Green-Emmott embracing about 80 acres situate near Rawdon Billing.

So quickly did the membership grow that the erection of the present Clubhouse was soon warranted, the necessary funds being raised by the issue of Debentures amongst the members and on 10th August, 1907 the Links and Clubhouse were officially opened.

This first milestone in the Club's history was performed by the President, Surr Wm. Duncan, Bart and he unlocked the door of the Clubhouse with a ceremonial silver key. At the time of the opening the course consisted of twelve holes but by the end of the year all eighteen were in play.

In 1910 the first professional's shop and caddie shed were purchased but this did little for staff relations as shortly afterwards in 1911 the caddies went on strike for more money.

In 1911 each hole was given an individual name. In 1912 Sunday Golf was allowed and then in 1913 the Clubhouse was destroyed by fire but the replacement was soon in operation.

Horsforth joined the Leeds and District Union of Golf Clubs upon its formation in 1920. The Clubhouse was altered in 1921 to provide further accommodation and a locker room, and in 1923 the putting green was laid in front of the Clubhouse.

In 1925 the well known architect James Braid visited the course and made several suggestions, this was followed later by a visit from Dr Alister Mackenzie who made a few alterations to the course. The most impotant being the construction of a short hole, 7th and making the 16th and 17th (Walls and Baten-In) to a single hole.  This work was supervised by Mr Frank, Head Greenkepper at Moortown Golf Club.

In 1930 negotiations were opened for the purchase of the course but the final price of £3,500 was beyond the capacity of the members and the scheme was shelved.
The rest of the decade saw gradual improvements in the course accompanied by very active social and sporting activities - Bridge, Solo, Dancing, Amateur Theatricals, Hiking, Swimming, Fox Hunting - these all receive a mention around this time.
Part of the course was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in 1942 and subsequent to the war relatively little development took place during the 1940s and the whole of the 1950s. Airport extensions in the 1960s led to an anxious time for the Club but in 1964 plans for the reconstruction of the course were agreed under advice from course architct Mr J J F Pennink. These included the new 16th and 17th holes, shortening of the 3rd, discarding of the short 7th and the lengthening of the 6th to a new green.
A new spirit of optimism was now apparent - the membership increased substantially and new developments came thick and fast. In 1966 the first set of Clubhouse alterations were opened and in 1967 plans were made to provide a Junior room.
The catalogue of developments during the seventies was a tribute to the foresight of the Council and the commitment of the members. These included an extension to the 19th Bar, a new Games/Smoke Room, a new Professional's Shop, substantial spending on equipment and machinery for the course and the installation of water and sprinklers around the greens. In the 1980s land occupying the first fairway was purchased which led to the 'new' eighteenth coming into play. Further improvements to the Dining Room and Mixed Lounge followed. It was, though, a disappointment to lose the reservoirs in 1986. Little has changed since this time except that the clubhouse has seen several refurbishments to maintain the high standards expected of a premier golf club.

The Club is without doubt a members Club enjoyed and patronised in every way by them. If their enthusiasm is any guide, the future of the Club is assured for many decades to come.

In 2003 the Club purchased a 99 year lease of the course from Leeds City Council to secure the future of the Club for many more years.