GOLF star Harris English has spoken of his frustration after he claimed his caddie was denied entry to the United Kingdom.
The American is preparing to tee off at this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next week.
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Harris English (right) will not be joined by usual caddie Eric Larson (left) at The Open Credit: Getty
Larson has been denied entry to the UK over a former conviction Credit: Getty
English, 36, jetted in this week for the Scottish Open.
But he was not joined by caddie Eric Larson, who was apparently refused entry to the country.
In 1996, Larson pleaded guilty to sending cocaine to friends and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
He was released from a halfway house in June 2006.
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Larson has been unable to acquire a Electronic Travel Authority visa due to his former conviction.
“He was due to fly on Saturday and found out maybe on Friday, which is just disappointing,” English explained.
“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.
“Eric’s been over here a number of times caddying for me in the Scottish and The Open.
“I don’t know why all of a sudden he’s not able to come over. He’s put a lot of time and effort into it.
“He has so much credibility. I’ll stand by that man for anything. He’s done a lot for my career.
“We’ve been together for nine years, and I hate it that he’s not able to come over here.”
The UK unveiled new ETA rules in January 2025.
English finished tied-2nd at last year’s Open Credit: The Times
Within the framework, grounds for refusal include an applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense in the UK or overseas for which they served 12 months or more in prison.
“It just seems that he’s still being punished for something he did a long time ago,” English added.
“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 back in the US, English – who finished second last year in The Open – will have Geno Bonnalie as caddie for the Scottish Open.
He will then pair up with his putting coach Ramon Bescansa at Royal Birkdale.