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Harris English plays in next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush, probably without his tournament sidekick.
English’s Caddy, Eric Larson, is currently stuck in the United States after being able to get a new electronic travel authority (ETA) visa for travel to the UK, a regulation that now applies to Americans.
Thirty years ago, Larson pleaded guilty to having sent cocaine to friends in the Midwest. Although he was not a user or big-time dealer, he spent 10 years and three months in prison and was released from a half-way house in June 2006.
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Harris English (right) pulls out his club next to Caddy Eric Larson (left) on the 11th hole during the first round of the Sony Open Golf Tournament at the Waialae Country Club. (Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-usa Today Sports)
Larson said he wasn’t aware that he needed the ETA visa before the US Open, and when he filled the form he was denied. Reason for rejection includes an applicant who has been convicted of a criminal act in Britain or abroad as they sentenced 12 months or more in prison.
“I guess the United Kingdom doesn’t look much at his past,” English said Tuesday at the Renaissance Club in front of the Scottish Open. “And apparently it’s an ongoing work.”
Team USA Caddy Eric Larson, Left, takes a photo with Harris English under the official 43. Ryder Cup portraits on Whistling Straits. (Samantha Madar/USA Today Network-Wisconsin via Imag Content Services, LLC)
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English, which is No. 19 in the world and 10. In the US positions for the Ryder Cup, said he did not become aware of Larson’s situation until just after he tied fourth on the Traveler’s Championship three weeks ago.
English said he reached out to Warren Stephens, the ambassador to the UK, who put him in contact with his chief of staff.
“They wrote a letter. R&A wrote a letter. PGA Tour wrote a letter. A charity event, Eric works for in the States (Operation New Hope) wrote a letter. It’s not for a lack of effort,” English added. “I think it could sit on someone’s desk at the government somewhere.”
Harris English Excheses Clubs with his Caddy Eric Larson on the 5th hole during the third round of the US Open Golf Tournament in 2019 at Pebble Beach Golf Links. (Michael Madrid/USA Today Sports)
English was part of the Ryder Cup team in 2021 on Whistling Straits during a dismantling of Team Europe – they would revenge two years later in Rome – and Larson was on the bag. This year’s event takes place at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.
