Trump Pardons PGA Caddy Eric Larson, Clearing Path for British Open Participation
A presidential pardon allows Eric Larson, previously barred from the UK due to a decades-old drug conviction, to caddy for golfer Harris English in major tournaments.
PGA golf caddy Eric Larson has received a presidential pardon, removing a barrier that prevented him from participating in major golf tournaments in the United Kingdom. The pardon, issued by President Trump, clears a 30-year-old cocaine dealing conviction that had barred Larson from entering the UK.
"I'm very fortunate. I'm grateful. I got a chance now," said Larson, 66, who caddies for American golfer Harris English. The conviction had previously prevented Larson from caddying for English at the British Open in 2025, where English finished second, earning Larson a significant potential commission.
The pardon was not publicly announced by the White House but was communicated directly to Larson and English by President Trump on September 3. English expressed his enthusiasm for Larson's renewed ability to travel and work alongside him in upcoming events like the Scottish Open and the British Open.
Larson's inability to enter the UK arose after British immigration laws changed two years ago, requiring electronic authorization for travelers. His past conviction made him ineligible for this authorization.
Larson's connection to President Trump reportedly began through PGA and LIV golfer Anthony Kim, for whom Larson previously caddied. English stated that he and Larson golfed with Trump in December at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Larson discussed his situation with the president.
Larson served 11 years in prison for distributing cocaine, a crime he committed in the 1980s and early 1990s. He maintains he never used the drug and stated that his pardon was a result of his efforts to improve himself and demonstrate his rehabilitation through official channels.
He emphasized that his pardon followed a formal application through the Justice Department's pardon office, involving a review of his prison work and character references. "I want it to be based on my merits, not because I know him," Larson said.
Having not worked for 11 years due to his conviction, Larson expressed his enjoyment of caddying for English and his commitment to continuing as long as he is able. "As long as I can still caddy, I'll caddy. As long as I'm walking and as long as Harris has me."