Harris English Faces Caddie Visa Issues Ahead of Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship

As the golf world eagerly anticipates the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship at Royal Portrush next week, a significant hurdle has arisen for Ryder Cup hopeful Harris English. His long-time caddie, Eric Larson, has encountered visa issues that may prevent him from accompanying English in the UK. This situation places both English’s immediate tournament preparations and his Ryder Cup ambitions in jeopardy.

Eric Larson, a pivotal figure in English’s golfing success, has been by his side throughout the past four Open Championships. However, recent changes in visa regulations for American citizens traveling to the UK have complicated Larson’s ability to join English on the course. This predicament was first reported by Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press, highlighting the lack of communication regarding the necessary Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa requirement that Larson was unaware of until after the US Open last month.

The professional caddie, who submitted his visa application more than two weeks ago, is still waiting for a resolution. This lack of timely feedback from the UK authorities has left English scrambling to find suitable on-course support for the upcoming tournaments. As the tournament at The Renaissance Club approaches, English is set to enlist the assistance of Joe Etter, the caddie of fellow golfer Davis Thompson, to fill the void left by Larson’s absence.

Unfortunately for English, Thompson has recently secured a spot in The Open, which means that his caddie, Etter, may also be unavailable for the entirety of English’s campaign in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Expressing his frustration, English shared with Ferguson, "Joe was my Plan B. Now we’re going to have to get a new Plan B." This sentiment highlights the uncertainty surrounding English’s preparations as he seeks to solidify his standing for a second Ryder Cup appearance.

Adding to the complexity of Larson’s situation is his past conviction, which has become a significant barrier in acquiring the necessary visa. Participants who apply for an ETA visa can be denied for reasons that include prior convictions leading to prison time of 12 months or more, a category under which Larson falls. He pleaded guilty three decades ago to charges related to drug trafficking and served a significant prison sentence. Though he has rebuilt his life in the years since, the stigma of his conviction continues to loom large.

Remarkably, in the years following his release from prison, Larson made strides in the golfing community, initially working with Mark Calcavecchia and later caddying for rising star Anthony Kim during the 2008 Ryder Cup. His partnership with English began in 2017 and has led to impressive shared performances on tour, including high placements at major championships. However, the shadow of his past has complicated his latest venture in pursuing a visa to work in the UK.

Currently, Larson has sought assistance from a London-based law firm, Bates Well, and is also in contact with VSF Global to expedite a six-month visa. Despite initiating this process two weeks ago, Larson reports that communication from UK immigration officials has been less than satisfactory. In the meantime, English has escalated matters by contacting various entities, including the U.S. ambassador to the UK, in hopes of expediting Larson’s visa issue.

The efforts to resolve this matter have included multiple letters of support from notable figures, further demonstrating the extensive network rallying for Larson’s case. English reflected on the efforts saying, “It’s not for a lack of effort. I think it could be sitting on someone’s desk at the government somewhere.” This emphasizes the frustrations felt by both Larson and English as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles, all while preparing for high-stakes tournaments.

With the clock ticking down to the first tee time at The Open, both English and Larson remain cautiously optimistic about a favorable outcome. They understand that time is running out, yet they continue to rely on their perseverance and the support from their communities. The duo’s resilience reflects the dedication that both caddies and golfers must have in the face of unexpected obstacles.

As Larson awaits a resolution, English is focused on raising his game in the Majors, having already performed well in recent tournaments, including a T12 finish at The Masters and a T2 finish at the PGA Championship. While he did not make the cut during his last appearance at The Open held at Royal Portrush, he is eager to improve his performance this year amidst the dual pressure of tournament aspirations and logistical challenges.

Should the visa issue resolve, and Larson be able to join English in the UK, it would mark a crucial turning point in both their careers. For Harris English, a strong performance could bolster his credentials ahead of the Ryder Cup, while for Eric Larson, the opportunity to caddie at a Major would represent a rewarding chapter in his renewed professional journey. As both prepare for the upcoming challenges, they serve as a testament to the resilience and determination inherent in the world of professional golf.