Club Captain Roland Cooper
“Having been a member of Tenterden for some 24 years, it is a privilege and honour to be selected as Club Captain for 2026. For those that do not know me, I was previously Chairman in our Centenary Year of 2005 and have been a committee member on and off since I joined in 2002. I am a Chartered Civil Engineer and have recently retired from the world of work albeit I do like to keep my hand in with technical challenges.
As for my golf history, I have played since 1995, and when I moved down from London, I had various clubs in mind to join but the standout for me was the friendly welcome I got at Tenterden. Since joining, I have played with various groups and enjoyed the friendly welcome each and every time. If we have a ‘USP’ it is surely the friendly groups!
In my time here I have seen that great strides have been made to improve the course so that it is now regarded as a favourite by members and visitors alike. We must not rest on our laurels though, there is much still to do, and I am confident that the new Executive Committee will help us continue on a path of improvement with your support of course.
Along with myself I can introduce you to our Ladies Captain Mimi Anderson, our Seniors Captain Graham Baldwin and my nominated Vice-Captain Darren Townsend.
My chosen Charity for the year is the Tenterden Social Hub and Dementia Centre. This charity plays an important role in our community supporting elderly people who are alone or vulnerable to have a social life and a decent meal every day along with specialist dementia support and care. In Tenterden, with an ageing population, this is an important facility that I am delighted to support. I do hope you will be able to help me support this charity over the coming year and I hope to provide many opportunities for you so to do through events in the year.
Whenever you are able to play your golf, Tenterden Golf Club has many groups that play throughout the week which offers a great chance to introduce new members and to make friends with your fellow golfers. For new members, or those looking to play at new times, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with group organisers via the office or indeed me as Captain. You will be sure of a warm welcome.
We have a full programme of golf events throughout the year particularly in the height of summer with the Festival of Golf. We field teams to play in several leagues against local clubs along with friendly matches and hold fun mixed events where all are welcome. We also hold social events such as quiz nights and BBQ’s along with Texas Scrambles and fun nights. Whether you’re a member, a guest, or part of a group or society, I am always happy to accept feedback, so please don’t hesitate to approach me as your views are always welcome. I hope you all have a great year on the course, and enjoy the fresh air, the exercise and the friendship of Tenterden Golf Club.”
Lady Captain Mimi Anderson
"I am honoured and delighted to be the Lady Captain of Tenterden Golf Club for 2026. I took up golf in 2016 and joined Tenterden Golf Club as a flexi member in 2018. With the encouragement and support of the wonderful ladies at the club, I achieved my handicap in the spring of 2021, since then I have never looked back!
Tenterden has one of the largest ladies’ sections in Kent and is widely recognised for being incredibly welcoming and friendly. The club offers a full and varied calendar of events, with something for every level of golfer. From fun internal competitions to friendly and competitive inter-club and county events—including the Pearson and Tappin Trophies together with the New Kent Ladies League, which Tenterden has proudly won for the past two years. There is truly something for everyone.
As well as our Tuesday competition day, we also have Thursday and Saturday morning roll-ups, providing a welcoming and social opportunity for ladies of all abilities to enjoy the game.
As Lady Captain, my role is made both enjoyable and rewarding thanks to the wonderful camaraderie within the ladies’ section and the support of our amazing committee members. Everyone is committed not only to supporting me, but to ensuring the ladies’ section continues to thrive and grow.
Tenterden Golf Club is proud to be part of the Women in Golf Charter, which aims to encourage more women and girls to take up the sport. In support of this, we run three free events from spring through to mid summer, offering women a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to try golf, alongside a monthly session for ladies who are course ready.
This year, I have chosen Marie Curie as my Lady Captain’s charity—a cause very close to my heart. Marie Curie provides vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness and for their families. Their incredible nurses and healthcare professionals deliver comfort, dignity, and compassion, whether in a patient’s own home or within one of their hospices across the UK. Alongside their hands-on care, Marie Curie also offers emotional support, bereavement counselling, and practical advice, ensuring that no one has to face the end of life alone.
As I step into the role of Lady Captain, I look forward to embracing the challenges, celebrating the special moments, and enjoying every part of the journey. I am truly excited to share this adventure with you all and to make 2026 a memorable year both on and off the course.
Together, let’s create a year filled with laughter, friendship, and of course great golf!"
Senior Captain Graham Baldwin
"Welcome to the Club’s Seniors Section at Tenterden GC. It is an honour to be Seniors Captain for 2026.
During the week, Seniors play in a number of different groups and we can introduce new members into these groups when asked. Please let me know if you need an introduction. The Seniors (over 60’s) have 2 League teams plus a team playing friendly matches. There is a Super Senior’s League side for the Over 70s. Matches are played both home and away throughout the spring and summer. It is a great way to meet other golfers and to play other Kent courses at a nominal cost.
We also have a full programme of club Seniors competitions throughout the year and I would encourage you to sign up and play in these. They are friendly and competitive and there are cups and trophies, and Honours Boards in the clubhouse for the winners. Keep an eye on the Senior’s notice board for details of how you can play for one of the Senior teams or in a club competition.
I have two nominated charities this year. I hope to buy a new display case for Tenterden Museum for the Baron of The Cinque Ports Mayoral Robes which is an important exhibit in our wonderful local museum. I am also supporting Hi-Kent which operates throughout the county, working with the NHS, both educating about and helping people with hearing problems. This is very relevant as we get older although we are sometimes reluctant to admit it! I hope that my fellow seniors will support me in raising as much as we can throughout the coming year.
Finally, and most importantly, please email me or call me if you would like to learn more about our Seniors Section, or how you can enter our competitions and teams. I look forward to playing with as many groups as I can, and to meeting members on the course and in the clubhouse."