PGA caddy Eric Larson served 11 years in prison for dealing cocaine, which meant he was barred from working in UK PGA events ... That is, until President Donald Trump stepped in.
Larson complained about missing caddying for golfer Harris English at the British Open in 2025 due to his past conviction, adding that it cost him a potential commission of about $126,000.
And Trump, an avid golfer and owner of several major courses, wouldn't stand for it. Larson caddied for English during a match with Trump in December at Trump National golf course in West Palm Beach.
He told the president his situation, found him receptive, and then applied for a pardon through the Justice Department's official channel. Larson provided documentation of his prison work and character references, and said he never used drugs himself, only sold them.
The president personally called Larson and English to tell them about the pardon. “I’m happy that Trump kind of heard us and probably did a lot of his research on it,” Larson said
It allows Larson to regain his rights and travel to work at tournaments like the Scottish Open and the British Open.
“I’m very fortunate. I’m grateful. I got a chance now,” Larson, 66, told the New York Post. The man whose club he carries was just as euphoric.
“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 told The Post. “He knows what it’s like to have your freedom taken away. He just brings so much joy.”
