A desktop version of Golden Records was first released in 2003, filling a clear need for a more reliable and flexible way to keep records of archery scores than paper sheets or basic spreadsheets. It provided clubs and archers with a structured, easy‑to‑use system for storing scores, tracking progress over time, and producing accurate records when needed.
An online version was conceived in 2016, initially as a way to synchronise data between multiple desktop installations so that clubs and record officers could keep their information consistent and up to date. Very quickly, this evolved to allow clubs to let members submit their own scores online, which could then be reviewed, approved, and downloaded into the desktop system, greatly reducing manual data entry and admin time.
By 2017, Golden Records Online had grown into a fully featured online archery records management system, supporting clubs, regions, and individuals with comprehensive score tracking, reporting, and record‑keeping tools. Since then, the desktop and online versions have been developed side by side, with new features and improvements added regularly so that users can choose the setup that best fits their needs—whether that is a purely online solution, a traditional desktop installation, or a combination of both.