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July 20, 2025: Eric Larson was alleged to be strolling the emerald fairways of Royal Portrush this Sunday, guiding Harris English in golf’s ultimate main and serving to him safe a U.S. Ryder Cup berth. As a substitute, Larson is caught at dwelling, watching on TV—barred from the U.Ok. as a result of a many years-previous drug conviction.
Larson, a veteran caddie with a exceptional redemption story, was denied the brand new Digital Journey Authority (ETA) visa now required for Individuals visiting the U.Ok. The explanation? He spent greater than 12 months in jail for a drug-associated offense over 30 years in the past.
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“It doesn’t make any sense,” Larson stated from his Palm Seashore Gardens dwelling. “I’ve caddied within the U.Ok. 10 instances since my launch. I simply need to be there for Harris.”
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Larson’s profession began within the early ‘90s, caddying for Ken Inexperienced and later Mark Calcavecchia, with whom he discovered early success. However his path was derailed in 1993 when he was indicted for drug expenses—certainly one of which led to a harsh 13-yr federal sentence. After his launch in 2005, Calcavecchia gave him a second likelihood, and Larson went on to caddie for Anthony Kim, Jeff Overton, and finally Harris English, guiding all three to Ryder Cup debuts.
Regardless of years of exemplary conduct and help letters from English, the R&A, the PGA Tour, and Jacksonville nonprofit Operation New Hope, Larson’s visa software was rejected. He additionally missed final week’s Scottish Open as a result of similar difficulty.
“These are two of our greatest tournaments,” Larson stated. “I can’t imagine I’m not there.”
Operation New Hope founder Kevin Homosexual, who has labored with Larson on charity occasions, expressed frustration: “While you serve a sentence, there are actually two—one in jail and one society by no means lets go of. Eric has paid his dues.”
Harris English, ranked tenth within the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, known as Larson a trusted accomplice and function mannequin. “If anybody deserves a second likelihood, it’s Eric,” English stated.
The scenario has sparked debate, particularly since different gamers with prison pasts, like Ryan Peake and Angel Cabrera, have been allowed to compete.
“I do know I made an enormous mistake,” Larson, 64, stated. “However how lengthy do I’ve to maintain paying? If sharing my story helps others, then possibly that’s the silver lining.”