PGA Tour golfer's caddie denied entry to the UK ahead of The Open for decades-old drugs bust

PGA Tour golfer Harris English says he believes a letter is 'sitting on someone's desk at the government somewhere' after his caddie was denied entry to the UK over a drug conviction more than 30 years ago.

The American Ryder Cup hopeful has made the trip overseas for the Scottish Open and next week's final men's major of the year at Royal Portrush.  

His caddie, Eric Larson, was supposed to be by his side but the looper was denied entry to the UK, according to a report by Associated Press.

Larson admitted sending a friend cocaine more than 30 years ago. He received a 10-year prison sentence and was released in 2006.

Former Open champion Marc Calcavecchia hired Larson to help him get back on his feet. Larson has also caddied for former PGA Tour pro turned LIV Golf recruit Anthony Kim and Jeff Overton. 

"I guess the United Kingdom doesn't look highly on his past," English told AP before his pro-am at The Renaissance Club on Tuesday.

English confirmed Larson did not make the trip believing that this wouldn't be an issue. 

The R&A, PGA Tour and a charity event Larson works for wrote a letter before travelling.

"I think it could be sitting on someone's desk at the government somewhere," English said. 

The 35-year-old has Davis Thompson's caddie, Joe Etter, filling in for him this week whilst he waits to hear if Larson will be able to get into the country. 

Larson has worked the last four Open Championships. 

English added: "I didn't understand how complicated the process was. Someone could see this guy had something in his past 30 years ago, he's been fine the last 20. How long does this stay with him?"

The 2025 Scottish Open gets underway on Thursday. 

European Ryder Cup hopeful Robert MacIntyre is the defending champion this week. 

The Scot pipped Adam Scott to his national open 12 months ago by draining an electric birdie on the 72nd hole.

The stacked field includes Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele. 

Reigning US Open champion JJ Spaun has also made the trip. 

New caddie for Collin Morikawa

Whilst Harris English is without his caddie, two-time major winner Collin Morikawa has teamed up with a legend of the game for a two-week stint. 

Morikawa sacked his long-time looper JJ Jakovac in April and decided to hire Max Homa's former caddie Joe Greiner. 

But their partnership was only short-lived, with the pair only working together for six events. 

Morikawa has now turned to Billy Foster who, over the years, has caddied for Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods and Thomas Bjorn.

Foster was sacked by Matthew Fitzpatrick in March. 

"I was trying to think about who would be available and then a couple of people brought his name up and what a legend he is," Morikawa said before the Scottish Open. 

He added: "You know, we’ve got a we’ve got a very simple game plan these next two weeks," Morikawa added.

"One, go and have fun. And two, just be simple, execute the shots.

"At the end of the day, that's what golf is. So, hopefully, we can enjoy these two weeks as much as we can. 

"It's good to see him out here, I know he's enjoying it, kind of shooting the talk with everyone."