Formed in 1952 as part of ICI Wilton's Recreation Club, golf matches initially had to be played on other courses as the Club did not have a Golf Course. The first Captain was Dr. J. W. Armit who was Chairman of Wilton Works. In 1954 work started on the construction of a 9-hole golf course and a well known golf architect, Mr. J. F. S. Morrison, of Colt Allison & Morrison was employed to design the layout; 30 years previously he had been involved in the design of Brancepeth Golf Course. The course was constructed on parkland in front of Wilton Castle and financed by ICI.

The course was officially opened by Mr. P. C. Allen, an ICI Director, on 30 April 1956. The first match was played against Cleveland Golf Club in June of that year, and was won by the home team. There were 214 Members at that time. In 1957 a new Club Room, which had been adapted from part of a stable block, was officially opened by Mr. C. M. Wright, Development Director for ICI, who the previous year had been Chairman of Wilton Council.

Membership in that year had risen to 320. One of the highlights in the Golf Club history was the visit of Henry Cotton to play a 4-ball exhibition round. The match was watched by over 600 spectators. Coming to the last hole the match was all square, but from 30 yards Henry chipped in to win the match.

By 1963 the membership had risen to over 600 and the Club was flourishing. Plans and proposals were made to extend the course to 18 holes. In 1964 ICI gave approval for an extension which was to be carried out in 2 stages. 6 Holes to be completed first followed by the final 3 which were to be built on ploughed land, and consequently took longer to complete. The new holes were ready for play in March 1966. The extended course and a new clubhouse were officially opened in May 1967. The popularity of the Golf Club continued to the extent that in 1974 membership, which then stood at over 1000, was closed to all categories.

A new innovation at the time was the installation of a "pop up" sprinkler system in 1977. There were 4 sprinklers on each hole which were operated by a fully automated system. Most clubs have these systems now but in this area at that time Wilton Golf Club was the first to install such a system.

A new purpose built clubhouse was completed in 1979. At the time it was described as 'an architectural triumph' and 'an impressive split level building located on rising ground affording first class views across rolling park land'. Although there was a certain amount of poetic licence, the clubhouse is a pleasant and comfortable environment in which to relax, or alternatively to play snooker. Refurbishment and additions have been made since the original construction, all adding to the attractiveness of this facility.

In 1999 ICI decided to sell the land on which Wilton Castle and the Golf Course are located. Funding was raised and a business plan prepared which enabled the Golf Club to purchase the course and buildings. The castle was bought by a developer who subsequently developed it, and its outbuildings, into 44 dwellings, comprising apartments and cottages. The Golf Club is now a private club, owned by its members, similar to many others in the North East.

The course itself is set in parkland with an abundance of trees and shrubs which makes for a pleasant walk. Golfers however should not be deceived. What appears to be a relatively short and low scoring 18 holes has unseen problems for the over ambitious golfer. Ray Douglas, the former Secretary/Manager of the club commented "The course is best summed up by the original contractor who constructed the course all of those years ago. 'Wilton Golf Course will never be championship standard but it will not be easy. With its individual trees, its rig & furr and its small plateau greens nobody is going to make a fool of this course'. Having played the course a few times, not too successfully may I add, I can vouch for these observations".