President Trump Grants Pardon to PGA Caddy, Ending UK Travel Ban Over Past Conviction

In a significant move, US President Donald Trump has issued a full pardon to Eric Larson, a caddie on the Professional Golfers' Association Tour. This clemency addresses a federal drug conviction from decades ago, which had previously barred Larson from entering the United Kingdom to participate in major golf championships.

Larson, who regularly caddies for renowned American golfer Harris English, received this pardon on September 3. His conviction dates back to 1995 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, a crime that led to a sentence of 156 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $25,000 penalty. He spent approximately eleven years incarcerated for this offence.

The existence of his criminal record subsequently posed significant challenges for Larson when attempting to travel to the UK. Notably, it prevented him from attending the 2025 British Open alongside English, who achieved a second-place finish and secured $1.8 million in prize money. Given that caddies typically earn a portion of their golfer's winnings, Larson suffered a substantial financial loss by being absent from that particular tournament.

This presidential act of clemency is expected to eliminate a major hurdle, allowing Larson to accompany English to upcoming UK-based tournaments, such as the Scottish Open and future British Opens. Harris English expressed his delight at the development, stating his satisfaction that Larson would once again be able to travel and work by his side.

"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," English remarked. He added, "He knows what it’s like to have your freedom taken away. He just brings so much joy.”

Larson had initiated his request for clemency via the Justice Department's established process, culminating in President Trump's issuance of a full and unconditional pardon. It is important to note that while this pardon addresses Larson's federal conviction, it does not alter the historical reality of his conviction and subsequent incarceration.