ROYAL PORTRUSH — Harris English, the four-time PGA Tour winner, faces the possibility of competing in next week's Open Championship without his longtime caddie, Eric Larson, after Larson was denied entry to the United Kingdom due to a past drugs conviction.
The issue arose when Larson, who has caddied for English since 2019, was stopped at a UK border checkpoint upon arrival. According to sources close to the situation, UK immigration officials cited a 1994 felony conviction for cocaine distribution as the reason for the denial. Larson served 11 years in federal prison before being released in 2005 and later rebuilding his career as a caddie.
The Legal Barrier
Under UK immigration rules, individuals with criminal records involving prison sentences of 12 months or more are typically barred from entering the country unless they apply for—and are granted—a special visa waiver in advance. Larson, unaware of the requirement, did not seek pre-approval. "It's an unfortunate situation," English told reporters. "Eric has turned his life around, and this feels like a setback he doesn’t deserve."
The UK Home Office confirmed the policy but declined to comment on Larson’s specific case. A spokesperson stated, "All visa and entry decisions are made in accordance with immigration rules, which prioritize public safety."
Larson’s Redemption Story
Larson’s journey from incarceration to the PGA Tour has been well-documented. After his release, he worked his way up as a caddie, eventually looping for prominent players like Dustin Johnson and Davis Love III before partnering with English. His story has been cited as an example of second chances in professional sports.
Key milestones in Larson’s career revival include:
- 2008: Began caddying on mini-tours
- 2012: Earned full-time PGA Tour status with Johnson
- 2019: Joined Harris English, helping him win the 2021 Travelers Championship
Impact on English’s Open Preparation
English, currently ranked 24th in the world, has relied heavily on Larson’s course management and strategic input. The duo’s chemistry has been a significant factor in English’s resurgence after injuries derailed his career in the mid-2010s. "Eric knows my game inside out," English said. "Losing him for a major would be tough, but we’re exploring all options."
Possible solutions being considered:
- Appealing the decision with UK immigration authorities
- Hiring a local caddie familiar with Royal Portrush
- Using a temporary replacement from another PGA Tour player’s team
Precedent for Similar Cases
This isn’t the first time a caddie’s past has affected tournament participation. In 2019, Billy Foster, who caddies for Matt Fitzpatrick, was denied entry to China for the WGC-HSBC Champions due to an old assault conviction. Foster later obtained a visa waiver for future events.
Legal experts suggest Larson’s case could be resolved with an expedited visa application, but time is running short. The Open Championship begins July 18, and processing such requests typically takes weeks. "It’s a tight window," said immigration lawyer Sarah Bennett. "Unless there’s urgent intervention, he likely won’t make it."
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked debate about whether sports governing bodies should advocate for leniency in such cases. The PGA Tour released a statement saying, "While we respect each nation’s immigration laws, we hope for a resolution that recognizes Eric’s contributions and rehabilitation."
Meanwhile, English faces a race against time to adjust. "Majors are hard enough with your team intact," said 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen. "Losing your caddie last minute? That’s a mental hurdle Harris will have to overcome."
As of now, Larson remains in the U.S., awaiting a final decision. English, meanwhile, is scheduled to arrive in Northern Ireland early next week—with or without his trusted caddie by his side.
