PGA Tour star furious as trusted caddie denied UK entry ahead of Scottish Open and The Open

Harris English has criticised the UK Government after his long-time caddie Eric Larson was refused permission to enter Britain ahead of this week's Scottish Open and next week's Open Championship, following an interview with Today's Golfer. 

The five-time PGA Tour winner was left frustrated after discovering Larson would once again be unable to travel across the Atlantic, forcing English into a late change of plans for both the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club and The Open at Royal Birkdale. 

English, currently ranked 29th in the world, had been expecting Larson to be by his side during a crucial two-week spell on British soil. 

However, just days before travelling, he was informed that his trusted caddie would need to remain in the United States.

The decision marks the second consecutive year Larson has been prevented from entering the UK due to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa regulations.

Larson’s previous criminal convictions, which occurred more than 30 years ago, continue to affect his ability to gain entry. 

The 65-year-old caddie served 10 years and three months in prison before being released in 2006, but English believes his looper has since transformed his life and should not continue to face restrictions because of his past.

Speaking ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, the 36-year-old American admitted he was disappointed by the decision and explained how important Larson remains to his team.

“He was due to fly on Saturday and found out maybe on Friday, which is just disappointing. He’s a big part of my team. He has been for a long time now, and it’s just disappointing that they can’t figure out something,” English told Today’s Golfer.

Larson had faced the same issue last year when he was unable to join English for The Open at Royal Portrush after discovering he required additional travel approval.

Despite attempts to resolve the situation, including support from both the PGA Tour and The R&A, as well as English contacting the US Ambassador to the UK, the decision remained unchanged.

English revealed that Larson had followed the correct process in an attempt to secure approval this time around, including hiring legal support and applying earlier than he did the previous year.

“He went through the same process, hired a lawyer and went through all the correct things to do to try to get approved for his visa, and unfortunately it got refused again,” English explained.

The two-time U.S. Ryder Cup star added that Larson had tried every possible avenue to overturn the decision but had been unable to find a solution.

“He knew what to expect and getting ahead of it a little earlier, he paid for it to get expedited.

“It really wasn’t expedited. He only found out that he got refused maybe a day before he was coming over here. He doesn’t know what else to do. He’s tried everything. We’ve contacted a lot of people to try to help him out, and I don’t understand why.”

English also defended Larson’s character, insisting that the veteran caddie has become a respected member of the golfing community since turning his life around.

“He’s been an outstanding citizen of the United States for a long time. He can still travel a lot of countries, and he’s not going to bother anybody. He’s over here to do the job, and that’s helped me a lot in the last nine years. I just wish it would be a little easier for him.”

The American believes Larson’s past mistakes should not continue to define him after he served his sentence and rebuilt his life.

“It just seems that he’s still being punished for something he did a long time ago, and to me, he paid his price spending 10 years in prison, and he’s still being hurt for that, and he’s gotten his life turned around.

“He’s an integral part of my team, and he’s helped me out tremendously over the last nine years, and it’s just disappointing that he can’t come over and be on the bag.”

With Larson unable to travel, English has been forced to make alternative arrangements for the upcoming tournaments.

Geno Bonnalie will carry the bag for English at the Genesis Scottish Open, while Ramon Bescansa will take over caddie duties for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Although English will work with experienced replacements, he made it clear that neither option can replace the trust and familiarity he has developed with Larson over nearly a decade.

Caddies often play a crucial role during links events, helping players deal with unpredictable weather, changing winds and demanding course strategy. 

For English, losing a familiar voice ahead of two major tournaments represents a significant disruption.

Larson has been alongside English during some of the biggest moments of his career, helping guide him through the challenges of life on the PGA Tour.

His visa refusal stems from UK regulations that allow authorities to deny entry to applicants who have previously committed offences carrying a possible prison sentence of 12 months or more.

Although Larson’s convictions occurred decades ago, the rules have prevented him from travelling to Britain for The Open for a second straight year.

English believes the regulations fail to recognise the changes Larson has made since his release.

The golfer pointed out that Larson has been able to travel internationally since turning his life around and argued that he poses no risk while working as a professional caddie.

For English, the frustration comes from seeing a trusted member of his team unable to perform his role despite years of positive contributions.

The timing of the decision could hardly be worse for English, who is looking to rediscover his best form during a challenging season on the PGA Tour.

He has recorded just one top-10 finish in 16 starts this season, with his best performance coming at the RBC Heritage in April where he finished tied for fourth.

English will also be hoping to recapture the form that delivered his most recent PGA Tour victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in January 2025.

The American has proven throughout his career that he is capable of competing against the world’s best, but consistency has been difficult to find this season as he searches for the performances that have previously made him such a respected figure on the PGA Tour.

The Genesis Scottish Open offers players a final opportunity to test their games before The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. 

While English will now focus on competing with Bonnalie and Bescansa on the bag in Scotland and England, he remains disappointed that Larson will not be part of the team during his European campaign.

The five-time PGA Tour winner hopes the situation can eventually be resolved, but for now, he competes in the U.K. without the man he believes has been one of the most important figures in his career.