Harris English has criticized the UK Government after his longtime caddie, Eric Larson, was once again denied entry to the United Kingdom ahead of The Open.
The American golfer learned last week that Larson would not be able to travel with him for either the Genesis Scottish Open or The Open at Royal Birkdale. As a result, English had to find another caddie for both events.
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It is the second straight year Larson has been refused entry under the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization rules, which allow officials to deny entry to applicants with certain past criminal convictions.
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Larson’s application was rejected because of drug convictions from more than 30 years ago. He served 10 years and three months in prison for sending cocaine to friends in the American Midwest before his release in 2006.
After leaving prison, Larson rebuilt his life and returned to professional golf. Former Open champion Mark Calcavecchia gave him another opportunity, and he later worked with players including Harris English, Anthony Kim, and Jeff Overton. He has also caddied at Ryder Cups.
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Despite turning his life around, Larson remains unable to meet the UK’s entry requirements. English said the news came just before Larson was due to travel.
“He was due to fly on Saturday and found out maybe on Friday, which is just disappointing,” English told TG’s Ben Parsons. “He’s a big part of my team. He has been for a long time now, and it’s just disappointing that they can’t figure out something.”
I spoke with Harris English, who has again arrived in the UK for The Open without his caddie Eric Larson. And he’s not happy about it.
“He paid his price spending 10 years in prison and he’s still being hurt for that.”
Full story: https://t.co/Q7qqSs35vL pic.twitter.com/BeafWVOaj8
— Ben Parsons (@_benparsons) July 7, 2026
Last year, Larson did not realize until about a month before The Open that he needed the new travel authorization. After his application was denied, both the PGA Tour and the R&A wrote letters supporting him. English also contacted Warren Stephens, the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, in an effort to help. Those efforts were unsuccessful, and attempts to secure Larson’s entry this year also failed.
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English will now compete in both the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open without the caddie who has been by his side for years. English enjoyed the best Open Championship finish of his career last year, finishing second behind Scottie Scheffler at Royal Portrush.
With Larson unable to travel, English used his putting coach, Ramon Bescansa, as his caddie during the tournament. Larson also missed out on the share of the prize money he would have received from English’s $1.75 million earnings.
The decision means English will head into golf’s oldest major without his longtime caddie for the second year running, while Larson’s convictions from more than 30 years ago continue to prevent him from entering the UK.
Main Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
