The original 9 holes were designed by Sandy Herd in 1912 and constructed by Charles Willmott who remained as the Club Professional for 42 years. The Course was opened for play in May 1914.

Four well known professionals were invited to play an exhibition match on the opening day. They were Sandy Herd, Ted Ray, Tom Ball and B. Batley. The lowest score of the day was returned by Tom Ball with a score of 68 for 18 holes.

Golf was first played in Dunstable in 1895. A few enthusiasts had their own private Club on a 9-hole course behind Dunstable School.

With the help of a few members of the private Club, some twelve acres of land on the Downs were purchased, including an old public house called California which was the site of the original Clubhouse. In November 1906, the Dunstable Downs Golf Club was formed. The course was expanded to 18-holes in 1912.

The Club purchased Downs Farm in 1930 and asked James Braid to redesign the course; the new course being opened in September 1931.