Donald Trump pardons US golf caddy Eric Larson after UK visa issues
Donald Trump has granted a pardon to US golf caddy Eric Larson, enabling him to enter the UK after Labour’s visa regulations barred his entry due to a long-ago conviction, reports BritPanorama.
Larson, who caddies for PGA Tour professional Harris English, had been prohibited from working in Britain stemming from a 30-year-old conviction for dealing cocaine. He served 11 years in prison, after which he rebuilt his life in the golfing world but was affected by changes to the country’s immigration laws in 2025.
Following the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, expanded by Labour, travellers from nations like the US and Canada faced stricter entry requirements. Despite having completed his prison sentence over two decades ago, Larson’s criminal record hindered him from obtaining the necessary travel authorisation, resulting in him missing significant tournaments in 2025 and 2026, including The Open Championship and the Scottish Open.
According to the New York Post, Trump’s intervention now allows Larson to caddy again, which is crucial as English finished second at The Open in 2025, earning $1.8 million (£1.3 million)—a portion of which would typically have gone to Larson as his caddy. Now looking forward, Larson expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m very fortunate. I’m grateful. I got a chance now,” relaying the news from Trump via a phone call, which also excited English, who noted the importance of having Larson at his side for upcoming championships.
In December, Larson and English met Trump on the golf course and discussed the barriers Larson faced. He emphasizes the pardon should reflect his efforts since his conviction rather than his association with Trump: “I want it to be based on my merits, not because I know him.” With the pardon, Larson is expected to resume his role at the 2027 Open at St Andrews, as well as at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick during the Scottish Open.
In a sports landscape where personal stories often intertwine with professional aspirations, Larson’s experience exemplifies the unpredictable journey many athletes and professionals face in their careers. Now, as the gates open again for him, there’s a bittersweet reminder of how personal pasts can shape and reshape opportunities in unpredictable ways.
