Harris English's Caddie Calls UK Travel Ban 'Nonsense'

A Journey of Redemption and Setbacks

Eric Larson was expected to be on the fairways of Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, supporting his boss, Harris English, during golf’s final major. However, due to a visa issue, Larson is now watching the event from his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This situation has cost him opportunities to caddie for English at the British Open and the Scottish Open, where English finished 22nd.

Larson's inability to travel stems from an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa denial. The reason? He served more than 12 months in jail for a drug charge over 30 years ago. Despite having visited the U.K. multiple times before, this regulation now prevents him from being there to support English.

“I don’t understand why this is happening,” Larson said. “I’ve been to the U.K. 10 times to caddie in the British Open and the Ryder Cup since I got out of prison.”

From Golf Player to Caddie

Larson's journey began in West Palm Beach in 1979 when he played on the Palm Beach State College golf team. His dream was to attend a four-year university and eventually play on the PGA Tour. After joining Bear Lakes Country Club, he shifted his focus to caddying after playing with Mark Calcavecchia and Ken Green.

English worked as a caddie for Green from 1991-94 and then for Calcavecchia when he won the 1995 BellSouth Classic. While working for Green, Larson faced legal challenges. In 1993, he was indicted for conspiracy to sell cocaine but was acquitted. Later, he was indicted again for a case in Michigan.

The charges led to a federal conviction, resulting in 13 years in prison, five years of probation, and a $25,000 fine. During his time in prison, Larson made friends, including Tommy Chong, and received support from Calcavecchia, who promised him his job back.

A Second Chance

After being released in late 2005, Larson started working in the Bear Lakes’ bag room during his probation. His good behavior led to a reduction in probation to 20 months, allowing him to return to his career as a traveling caddie. In 2007, he helped Calcavecchia win the PGA Tour event at Innisbrook, earning a six-figure payday and a new lease on life.

Larson’s success with Calcavecchia opened doors for other opportunities. He caddied for Anthony Kim, Jeff Overton, and eventually Harris English in 2017. Under his guidance, all three players reached the Ryder Cup as rookies, a significant achievement.

Challenges and Advocacy

Despite his accomplishments, Larson faces ongoing challenges. At last month’s U.S. Open, he discovered he needed a new ETA visa, which was denied because he answered that he had spent more than 12 months in jail. When he applied for a regular visa, it was also rejected for not meeting criteria for "exceptional" or "compassionate" reasons.

English reached out to the UK ambassador, Warren Stephens, who connected him with his chief of staff. Even with recommendation letters from English, the R&A, the PGA Tour, and Operation New Hope, Larson’s visa was still rejected.

Kevin Gay, founder of Operation New Hope, expressed his disappointment. “Eric deserves a second chance,” he said. “It breaks my heart to see what he’s going through.”

Gay met Larson through a senior PGA Tour media official and became a strong supporter of ONH. Larson has spoken at several fundraisers, bringing signed Ryder Cup pin flags and caddie bibs for auction.

A Call for Understanding

English shared similar sentiments. “Someone could see this guy had something in his past 30 years ago, but he’s been fine the last 20. How long does this stay with him?” he asked.

In his reference letter, English wrote about Larson’s exemplary conduct and involvement with charities. “He is a popular figure wherever we go,” he added.

What perplexes some is that while Larson’s appeal was rejected, the Open field includes players with criminal records. Ryan Peake, who spent five years in an Australian jail, and Angel Cabrera, who recently spent two years in an Argentinian jail, are both competing.

“I know I made a big mistake,” said Larson, 64. “But how long do I have to pay for that? If I can help someone else by bringing attention to this situation, then that’s a good thing.”