The Visa Snag: Eric Larson Denied UK Entry
Eric Larson, who has caddied for Harris English since 2017 and has been a familiar face on the bag for his major championship runs, was denied an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa for entry into the United Kingdom. The reason for the denial stems from a drug conviction dating back 30 years ago.
Under new UK regulations, individuals who have served 12 months or more in prison for a criminal offense, even if committed decades ago, can be refused entry. Larson pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine to friends in the Midwest 30 years ago and served 10 years and three months in prison, being released in 2006. Despite turning his life around and re-establishing a successful career as a professional caddie, his past conviction has prevented him from obtaining the necessary visa.
Harris English, along with the PGA Tour, The R&A (organizers of The Open), and even the U.S. Ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, have made significant efforts, including writing letters of appeal, to expedite Larson's visa approval. However, despite these high-level interventions, the UK government's decision remained firm.
Impact on Harris English at The Open Championship 2025
The absence of his regular caddie, especially for a major championship of the magnitude of The Open, is a significant challenge for any professional golfer. The player-caddie relationship is built on trust, familiarity, and a deep understanding of each other's tendencies under pressure.
Temporary Replacement: With Larson unable to travel, English initially had Joe Etter (Davis Thompson's regular caddie) on the bag for the Genesis Scottish Open. However, with Thompson securing a spot in The Open, English had to find another "Plan B." For The Open Championship 2025 at Royal Portrush, English's longtime putting coach, Ramon Bescansa, stepped in as his fill-in caddie. Bescansa, who has also caddied on the LIV Tour, has worked with English for over a decade on his short game, offering a level of familiarity despite the unusual circumstances.
Mental Adjustment: While English praised Bescansa's performance and knowledge of his game, he acknowledged the difference, stating, "Eric has been caddying for me for eight, nine years now, and you get so used to having that one guy of how he does everything… But it is different." The mental adjustment of a new voice and routine, particularly on a demanding links golf course like Royal Portrush, adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Despite this unforeseen hurdle, Harris English started The Open Championship impressively, opening with a strong first round to put himself in contention, demonstrating remarkable focus and resilience amidst the personal and professional disruption.
Broader Implications: International Travel and Athlete Support
Larson's situation brings to light the stringent and often unyielding nature of international travel regulations, particularly for individuals with past convictions, even if those convictions are decades old and the person has demonstrated significant rehabilitation. It underscores the challenges that athletes and their support teams can face when crossing borders for global competitions.
This incident also highlights the strong bonds within the PGA Tour caddie community and the support networks that exist when unforeseen circumstances arise. While English is disappointed not to have Larson by his side, he remains hopeful that a solution can be found for future international events.
Conclusion: A Test of Resilience for English
The denial of Eric Larson's visa is an unfortunate turn of events for both him and Harris English at The Open Championship 2025. It's a stark reminder that even at the highest levels of professional golf, external factors can significantly impact performance. However, English's strong start at Royal Portrush, even with a temporary caddie, speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and ability to adapt. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on English to see if he can overcome this unique challenge and make a run for the Claret Jug.
