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Caddie Banned From Traveling To The Open Championship

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 12:12 PM ET

Although the Open Championship at Royal Portrush is only a week away, one caddie is stuck in the United States.

Harris English's caddie, Eric Larson, revealed this week that he hasn't been able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority visa for the United Kingdom. It turns out that's due to a drug-related charge from three decades ago.

Larson pleaded guilty to sending cocaine to friends in the Midwest roughly 30 years ago. He spent over a decade in prison before being released in June 2006. People who serve 12 months or more in prison can be denied an ETA visa. It appears that's what has happened to Larson.

Prior to his pro-am round at The Renaissance Club this past Tuesday, English spoke to the media about his caddie's troubling situation.

"I guess the United Kingdom doesn't look highly on his past," English said. "And apparently it's a work in progress."

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Harris English of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the first round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 02, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

English, who is ranked No. 19 in the world, reached out to the U.K. about his caddie's situation for the Open Championship.

"They wrote a letter. The R&A wrote a letter. The PGA Tour wrote a letter. A charity event Eric works for in the States wrote a letter. It's not for a lack of effort," English said. "I think it could be sitting on someone's desk at the government somewhere."

English had Joe Etter lined up as his backup caddie for the Open Championship, but he'll have to shift gears now that Etter will be on the bag for Davis Thompson.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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