PGA Tour golfer reacts to major news from Donald Trump

PGA Tour golfer Harris English has expressed his delight after US president Donald Trump issued a pardon to his caddie.

Eric Larson, 66, had been unable to accompany English to tournaments in Britain because of a decades-old federal drug conviction, despite having completed his prison sentence.

Larson was sentenced to 156 months in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the 1990s. 

The conviction had become a major obstacle for Larson after the UK government introduced new travel requirements for visitors, with his criminal record preventing him from obtaining the necessary authorization.

That forced him to miss the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush and again earlier this summer at Royal Birkdale. 

English finished runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at golf's oldest major two years ago and netted $1.8m in prize money. 

Given PGA Tour caddies typically earn up to 10 per cent commission for top-10 finishes, Larson could have missed out on a big pay day.

But according to the New York Post, Trump stepped in and granted a full unconditional pardon to Larson on 3 September.

"I'm very fortunate," Larson told the publication. "I'm grateful. I got a chance now."

Trump personally delivered the news to Larson and English during a phone call after signing the pardon.

English said: "I'm just so pumped for Eric that he can have his rights back and travel to be by my side and work for me specifically at the Scottish Open and the British Open.

"He knows what it’s like to have your freedom taken away. He just brings so much joy."

The pair had previously met Trump on the golf course, with Larson explaining his situation to the president during a round at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in December.

Larson previously worked with golfer Anthony Kim before becoming part of English's team. 

He said he wanted the pardon to be viewed as the result of his record since his conviction rather than his relationship with Trump.

The Wisconsin native said he applied through the Justice Department’s formal pardon process and submitted records from his time in prison, along with letters supporting his application.

"I want it to be based on my merits, not because I know him," Larson said.

"I've done all the right things since day one, since my crime."