The left-back rose through the ranks of Bristol City before joining Reading in January 2006, as cover for Nicky Shorey.
Golbourne impressed in the FA Youth Cup for City, and caught the eye of the Royals who brought him to the club.
He made only one appearance, as a sub against Stoke City, before joining Wycombe Wanderers on an initial one month loan. This was changed to a three-month loan where he made 15 league appearances and four cup games.
Golbourne then rejoined Wycombe on loan until the end of the 2006-07 season during the January 2007 transfer window.