Full Breakdown
Trump Pardons PGA Caddy Eric Larson, Restoring UK Travel Eligibility
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Presidential Pardon Clears Drug-Conviction Barrier
President Donald Trump exercised his pardon power to grant a full pardon to Eric Larson, a 66-year-old PGA Tour caddie. The pardon removes the legal obstacle that had prevented Larson from obtaining the electronic travel authorization required for entry into the United Kingdom. With the pardon in place, Larson is now eligible to accompany golfer Harris English to upcoming UK tournaments, including the Scottish Open and the British Open.
Background & Context: Conviction, Travel Ban, and Golf Career
In the early 1990s, Larson admitted to shipping cocaine from Florida to acquaintances in other states. He served a federal prison term—reported as either 10 years and three months or 11 years—and left a halfway house in 2006. After his release, former PGA Tour pro Mark Calcavecchia rehired him, and Larson subsequently worked Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup matches. He later became the regular caddie for Harris English, helping English secure three PGA Tour victories.
In 2025 the United Kingdom introduced a requirement that travelers disclose any criminal convictions when applying for an electronic travel authorization. Larson’s honest disclosure of his drug-trafficking conviction led to a denial, barring him from the 2025 Open Championship. The denial cost him an estimated $126,000 in commission, based on the typical 7 % share caddies receive when their golfer finishes in the top ten.
Data & Statistics: Financial Impact and Legal Timeline
- Conviction: cocaine trafficking (1990s).
- Imprisonment: either 10 years 3 months (as reported by ESPN) or 11 years (as reported by the New York Post).
- Legal fees incurred while contesting the UK travel denial: more than $22,000.
- Missed commission from the 2025 Open Championship: roughly $126,000.
- Typical caddie commission rate: 7 % of a golfer’s prize purse when the golfer finishes in the top ten.
Official Statements & Responses: Reactions from Larson, English, and the White House
Harris English described the pardon as “a chance now” for his caddie and emphasized that Larson’s presence is essential for upcoming events. The White House did not issue a public announcement about the pardon; however, officials confirmed that the Department of Justice processed Larson’s formal application through the pardon office, reviewing his prison work and supporting letters before granting relief.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Sentence Length Discrepancy
Sources differ on the exact length of Larson’s federal sentence. ESPN reports a term of 10 years 3 months, while the *New York Post* states that Larson served 11 years. Both accounts agree that Larson was released from a halfway house in 2006 and that he has complied with post-release requirements. No additional official documentation has been provided to reconcile the differing figures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m very fortunate. I’m grateful. I got a chance now,” — Eric Larson, caddie
- “I’m just so pumped for Eric that he can have his rights back . . . and travel to be by my side and work for me specifically at the Scottish Open and the British Open,” — Harris English, professional golfer
- “I’m just so pumped for Eric that he can have his rights back,” — Harris English, professional golfer