In 1972 a local farmer, Cyril Johnson, decided that he could start a business on the land he owned which would be a starter centre for golf. He originally built a small cafe and driving range but this quickly expanded to the opening of a 9 hole course in May 1974. It was then called Craythorne Golf Centre.

He obtained a full on licence in 1975 and the idea of a pub with an 18 hole golf course attached was instigated. The first PGA professional, David Llewellyn helped design the new layout before he moved onto the professional circuit. He and Ian Woosnam won the World Cup for Wales in 1987. Johnson and his family owned the business until 1993 when R.Peach & Co Ltd of Burton, who were established in 1885, took over the ownership.

Tony Wright, the 3rd generation who has worked in the firm, staged a management buyout of this family business in 1995. Since that time huge investment and personal commitment has gone into the expansion of The Craythorne to make it into a very acceptable standard 18 hole course with fine off course practise facilities. Tony Wright has personally designed all of the new holes and the alterations within the course.

In 1995, Ian Botham of cricketing fame, along with Tony Wright and PGA professional Gary Prince broke the world record for playing 4 rounds of golf in 4 countries in a day. The golf was played at St.Margarets Dublin, Anglesey, Dumfries and Galloway before finishing at The Craythorne.

Since 1974 there have been 4 course layouts. the first was the original 9 hole followed by the 18 hole opened in 1984. The course record was held by one of the three junior international players who have started their career at Craythorne. Phil Smith shot a gross 64 in 1985 which stayed as the record until the course was lengthened in 1994. The record was then taken by Tony Wright scoring a gross 66 in 1997. In 2004 the course yardage was increased again to 5700 yds and the record was taken again by Tony Wright in 2007 with a gross 67.

As the years have gone on, changes have been made to the pub and restaurant along with an increase in function space. The driving range site flourishes having been refurbished in 2004. The whole place is well appointed, with a fine range of food and beverages. Although there is a successful golf club at The Craythorne, it is still run as a pub which caters for all the public.