President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to PGA Tour caddie Eric Larson, whose decades-old federal drug conviction prevented him from traveling to the United Kingdom for major golf tournaments.
The decision could allow Larson to resume his role alongside golfer Harris English at major events in Britain, including the Scottish Open and The Open Championship.
However, the pardon does not itself guarantee that British authorities will approve Larson’s future entry into the country, meaning another stage remains in the process.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s official clemency records identify Larson’s case as a 1995 conviction in the Western District of Michigan for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. His sentence included 156 months in prison, five years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine.
Larson, who has since built a lengthy career as a professional caddie, had already served his sentence before the conviction became an unexpected obstacle to his work overseas.
The problem emerged after the United Kingdom introduced its Electronic Travel Authorisation system for American visitors. Larson’s criminal record resulted in his travel authorization being denied, preventing him from joining English at British golf events.
That meant Larson was absent when English finished runner-up at the 2025 British Open at Royal Portrush. English collected $1.759 million for his second-place finish behind Scottie Scheffler, while Larson missed out on what could have been a six-figure caddie commission.
The Washington Post previously reported that Larson had been unable to attend despite having traveled to the UK numerous times before the new system was introduced.
With caddies commonly receiving a percentage of their player’s earnings, the financial consequences were significant. A 7% commission on the $1.8 million figure would amount to approximately $126,000.
Eric Larson can now pursue a return to The Open
The pardon was signed on September 3, according to reports, and the Justice Department’s clemency document describes it as a “FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL PARDON” for the offenses listed in Larson’s federal case.
Larson had reportedly pursued the pardon through the established process, submitting documentation about his conviction and subsequent life.
He also received support from figures and organizations within golf, including English, the PGA Tour and the R&A, according to previous reporting.
Speaking about the outcome, English emphasized what Larson’s return would mean to their partnership: “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. He knows what it’s like to have your freedom taken away. He just brings so much joy.”
Larson has also spoken about wanting the decision to reflect his record since his conviction rather than his previous encounters with Trump through the golfing world.
“I’ve met Trump before with the golfers. He loves golf. The Department of Justice went through all my paperwork and all my prison paperwork. It went through the process,” Larson said. “I want it to be based on my merits, not because I know him.”
He added: “I’ve done all the right things since Day One, since my crime.”
The caddie also made clear that he intends to continue working for as long as he is able.
“I’m very fortunate. I’m grateful. I got a chance now,” Larson said.
Larson’s connection with English has already produced considerable success. The pair have worked together for years, with Larson helping English during his PGA Tour career and at major events.
Larson’s return would therefore restore a familiar partnership rather than represent the beginning of a new working relationship.
The next potential milestone is the 2027 Open Championship at St Andrews, scheduled to begin in July. English has indicated that he wants Larson alongside him for both the Scottish Open and British Open.
There is still an important distinction between the American pardon and UK immigration rules. Trump’s pardon removes the federal conviction as a legal obstacle in the United States, but British authorities make their own decisions regarding entry and visas.
Reports indicate Larson will still need to complete the appropriate UK travel process.
For now, however, the pardon has changed the circumstances surrounding a caddie whose past had unexpectedly become a barrier to his professional career.
After missing English’s runner-up finish at the 2025 Open and being unable to accompany him to UK tournaments, Larson once again has a route toward returning to the international golf circuit.
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