PRESENTATION OF THE JOCK HAGGARD TROPHY TO BUNGAY GOLF CLUB
On 9 September 2007, the Jock Haggard Trophy was given by the Rider Haggard Society to the Bungay Golf Club. This cherry wood plate was carved by Jonathan Cheyne of Three Bells Furniture, Ditchingham and great-grandson of Sir Henry Rider Haggard, and presented by great-great-grandson Benjamin at a Rider Haggard Society dinner held at the Club.
Jock was Rider Haggard's only son who tragically died of measles at the age of 11 when his parents were in Mexico and could not return in time for the funeral. The Bungay Golf Club was founded in 1898 and Sir Henry and Lady Louisa Haggard joined as active members months later. Rider became president, but Louisa was the more active of the two. She was the first ladies' captain: this and Rider's roles are commemorated on the clubhouse boards. Louisa was also elected to the management committee, and she had a handicap of five. Rider wrote a humorous piece about the sport, "Golf for Duffers."
Junior members of the Bungay Golf Club can now play for this trophy which commemorates Rider Haggard. A portrait of the 11 year old Jock that was painted shortly before his death shows him preparing to swing his club. The trophy is a fitting and touching gift.
