Bolton Old Links Golf Club, originally named Bolton Golf Club, began in 1891 as a small nine-hole course in Green Lane Bolton before transferring to Smithills in 1896. Golf has been played on the present site for over 100 years and part of that land still forms the far end of the present course.

In 1908, the course measured 2841 yards but in about 1912 a number of members left the Smithills-based golf club for a new eighteen-hole golf course being laid out at Lostock Park, off Chorley New Road. For some reason the new club took the name of Bolton Golf Club. The original course remained and became known as Bolton Old Links Golf Club.

Following the acquisition of approximately 173 acres of land in 1921, a complete reconstruction of the course was undertaken. Dr Alister MacKenzie of Leeds, the notable golf course architect, designed a new eighteen-hole course, which was opened in 1924. This formed the basis of the present layout of the course.

His design emphasised the natural features of undulating terrain by astute bunkering and he produced a series of colourful and testing holes, laying out the course in two loops of 9 holes. Dr MacKenzie made use of the four points of the compass and the elevation, reaching 750 - 850 feet (270-310 m) above sea level, ensures that the wind is a constant factor although its direction is anything but constant.

The new 18 hole course measured 6096 yards but a number of changes, particularly after the Second World War, have resulted in a course which now measures 6479 yards off the Championship tees. However, the essence of the course designed by Dr MacKenzie remains.

As well as the course, the stone built clubhouse dates back to the 1920's when architect Mr E J Pomeroy converted existing haybarns, shippons and stables belonging to a local farmer. He retained a lot of the rustic simplicity of the surroundings. The adjacent cottage, now a Listed Building, was also converted for use as a Steward's cottage.