A great step forward was taken when ninety six acres of land were purchased for £5,000 at Barrow Gardens in 1932, the generosity of the Southworth family also making possible the erection of a fine clubhouse building, as well as the establishment of a full 18 hole course rather than the 9 holes originally planned. James Braid, famous golfer and architect, was engaged to design the course. In 1937 an exhibition match featuring the American Ryder Cup Captain, Walter Hagen and local legend, Jimmy Rothwell, confirmed the status of the rapidly maturing course.

The 1939-45 war brought a slump in membership, and the occupation of part of the course for army exercises caused some damage, but the golf boom of the sixties heralded a new era at Clitheroe and the appointment of Peter Geddes as professional greenkeeper in 1960 saw new ideas put into practice. Land was purchased from neighbouring farmer, Mr Holgate, and two new holes were created - the present 9th and 17th, opened in 1965 with an exhibition match involving three Walker Cup captains - Joe Carr, Michael Bonallack and David Marsh. It was a great occasion.

1977 saw Clitheroe host its first County Championship, bringing recognition of the high regard in which the club and course were now held. The following year, three long serving stalwarts, Robin Parkinson, Joe Ward and Bill Speak were created honorary life members for their contribution to the development of the club. The purchase of more land in 1984 provided the club with an excellent driving range. The centenary year in 1991 saw golfing and social events follow each other in rapid succession, from the flag raising ceremony in January to the EGU Tournament of Champions in September. It was a fitting climax to the first hundred years of the club's history.

Further consolidation took place during the rest of the 1990’s, until the year 2000 when additional investment in the facilities got underway. The Clubhouse extended further with the creation of the Southworth Room. This modern room overlooks the 1 st tee and houses the Club’s extensive collection of artefacts and a pictorial library of the Club.

In recent years a programme of replacing all our soil base greens with USGA standard greens has begun and should be completed by 2010. All the work is being done in house by our green keeping team headed by Andrew Geddes. There has also been extensive investment in new machinery to present the course to the best possible condition. A new maintenance building was constructed in 2003 replacing a number of buildings on the course.

In 2004 a new Halfway House was built behind the 9th green in Memory of John Dugdale and Ronnie Laughlin – two long standing Clitheroe Members. The facility has proved popular with both Members and visitors alike serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, as well as full welfare facilities.

2006 saw the start of a three phase clubhouse development with the creation of the Legends Room in the room formerly known as the snooker room. Phase two is scheduled to be the gentlemen’s changing rooms and visitor changing rooms. Phase three, planned for 2008 will be a refurbishment of the main foyer, lounge and dining rooms.

Clitheroe Golf Club continues to go from strength to strength. Its reputation locally, regionally and nationally continues to grow. Playing Membership is full and the course is proving extremely popular with visitors and visiting societies alike.