UPDATE: Trump pardons PGA golf caddy’s drug conviction so he can play in British Open

US President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to the Professional Golfers’ Association Tour caddie, Eric Larson over a decades-old federal drug conviction that had prevented him from travelling to the United Kingdom for major golf tournaments. 

Larson, who works as a caddie for American golfer Harris English, was pardoned on September 3 over his 1995 conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

He was sentenced to 156 months in prison, five years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine. Larson ultimately served about 11 years behind bars. His criminal record later created difficulties travelling to the UK and prevented him from accompanying English at the 2025 British Open.

English went on to finish second at the tournament, earning $1.8 million in prize money. With caddies commonly receiving a percentage of a golfer’s winnings, Larson also missed out financially by being unable to work alongside English at the tournament.

The presidential pardon could remove a significant obstacle to Larson accompanying English at future tournaments in the UK, including the Scottish Open and British Open. English welcomed the decision and said he was pleased that Larson would have the opportunity to travel with him again.

“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,” English said.

Larson submitted his pardon application through the Justice Department’s clemency process before Trump granted him a full and unconditional pardon. The pardon applies to Larson’s federal conviction and does not erase the historical fact that he was convicted and served his sentence.