[3] After four years in the youth system, Golbourne made his first-team debut for Bristol City in a 2–0 victory over Colchester United, coming on for Luke Wilkshire in the 72nd minute.

[14] On 25 August 2006, despite a 3–1 loss to Lincoln City,[15] Golbourne was named Man of the Match by the game's sponsor for his efforts in defence and midfield.

[28] On 23 March, Golbourne left Oldham and returned to Reading, after manager Joe Royle decided against extending the loan.

[29] Golbourne signed for Exeter City on 2 July after agreeing a one-year contract with the newly promoted League One club.

[37] Golbourne was an almost ever-present part of the Wolves team that ended the season as League One champions with a record points total for that level.

Back in the Championship, Golbourne remained a regular part of Wolves' plans but a foot injury hampered him throughout the 2014–15 season, restricting his appearances and his performance level.

[38] With only a year remaining on his contract, talks were opened but no negotiation reached by midpoint of the season when he fell out of the starting line-up and would be sold during the January 2016 window.

On 28 January 2016, Golbourne moved back to Bristol City, where he had played ten years prior, for an undisclosed fee in a 2+1⁄2-year deal.

[41] On 30 January 2019, Golbourne signed a short-term deal until the end of the season for League One side Shrewsbury Town, after impressing on trial.

[44] He scored his first goal for the club in an EFL Trophy tie against Manchester City U21s on 3 December 2019, though later in the game missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.