The 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, set to begin on July 10 at The Renaissance Club in Scotland, will proceed without Eric Larson, the longtime caddie for five-time PGA Tour winner Harris English. While English has arrived in Scotland for the tournament, Larson remains at home after being denied a UK Electronic Travel Authority visa due to a past criminal conviction.
Larson was refused the visa because he falls under the category of applicants with prior criminal offenses who have served a prison term of 12 months or longer. This restriction stems from his conviction related to cocaine transportation in the 1990s, for which he served over a decade behind bars.
Eric Larson’s Criminal Past Blocks Entry to UK Golf Tournament
According to available reports, Larson pleaded guilty to charges involving the transportation of cocaine from South Florida to the Midwest during the 1990s. He spent ten years and three months in prison before being released in 2006. This lengthy incarceration now presents a hurdle for his travel to upscale events like the Genesis Scottish Open.
Despite all efforts made by Harris English and others to help secure Larson’s visa, entry into the UK remains blocked. English worked tirelessly, even contacting the chief of staff to Warren Stephens, the US ambassador to the UK, to intervene. English expressed his frustration to NBC Sports:
“They wrote a letter. The R&A wrote a letter. The PGA Tour wrote a letter. A charity event Eric works for in the States wrote a letter. It’s not for a lack of effort. I think it could be sitting on someone’s desk at the government somewhere.” —Harris English, PGA Tour Golfer
Larson Acknowledges Past Mistakes but Faces Ongoing Consequences
In 2018, Larson addressed his criminal history candidly, admitting he sold cocaine solely for financial reasons and took full responsibility for his actions. Speaking to The Caddie Network, Larson clarified:
“I did it for monetary purposes only. I didn’t use it, and I never brought it out on Tour. Was I a major drug dealer? No. Did I drive fancy cars? No. That doesn’t make it any better.” —Eric Larson, PGA Tour Caddie
His past actions continue to affect his professional opportunities, as seen in the current visa denial that prevents him from supporting Harris English during this major competition.
Temporary Replacement and Uncertain Future for Larson’s Role
With Larson unable to attend, Davis Thompson’s caddie, Joe Etter, has been brought in to assist Harris English at the Genesis Scottish Open. However, the future remains uncertain, as Larson may still be unable to obtain his visa in time for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush. English may need to consider alternative caddie options for future events depending on the visa situation.
Harris English’s History and Upcoming Challenge at Scottish Open
While Harris English has claimed five PGA Tour victories, he has yet to win the Genesis Scottish Open. Last year, he finished tied for 34th place after scoring 9-under 271 at The Renaissance Club. In 2022, he tied for 42nd, missing the tournament entirely in 2023.
This year, English faces stiff competition from defending champion Robert McIntyre, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and other leading golfers, each striving for the Genesis Scottish Open title.