Harris English’s Caddie Eric Larson Barred from British Open Over 30-Year-Old Conviction

July 20, 2025: Eric Larson was supposed to be walking the emerald fairways of Royal Portrush this Sunday, guiding Harris English in golf’s final major and helping him secure a U.S. Ryder Cup berth. Instead, Larson is stuck at home, watching on TV—barred from the U.K. due to a decades-old drug conviction.

Larson, a veteran caddie with a remarkable redemption story, was denied the new Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa now required for Americans visiting the U.K. The reason? He spent more than 12 months in prison for a drug-related offense over 30 years ago.

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“It doesn’t make any sense,” Larson said from his Palm Beach Gardens home. “I’ve caddied in the U.K. 10 times since my release. I just want to be there for Harris.”

Larson’s career started in the early ‘90s, caddying for Ken Green and later Mark Calcavecchia, with whom he found early success. But his path was derailed in 1993 when he was indicted for drug charges—one of which led to a harsh 13-year federal sentence. After his release in 2005, Calcavecchia gave him a second chance, and Larson went on to caddie for Anthony Kim, Jeff Overton, and eventually Harris English, guiding all three to Ryder Cup debuts.

Despite years of exemplary conduct and support letters from English, the R&A, the PGA Tour, and Jacksonville nonprofit Operation New Hope, Larson’s visa application was rejected. He also missed last week’s Scottish Open due to the same issue.

“These are two of our biggest tournaments,” Larson said. “I can’t believe I’m not there.”

Operation New Hope founder Kevin Gay, who has worked with Larson on charity events, expressed frustration: “When you serve a sentence, there are really two—one in prison and one society never lets go of. Eric has paid his dues.”

Harris English, ranked 10th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, called Larson a trusted partner and role model. “If anyone deserves a second chance, it’s Eric,” English said.

The situation has sparked debate, especially since other players with criminal pasts, like Ryan Peake and Angel Cabrera, have been allowed to compete.

“I know I made a big mistake,” Larson, 64, said. “But how long do I have to keep paying? If sharing my story helps others, then maybe that’s the silver lining.”