Donald Trump issues pardon to US golf caddy after Labour visa rules prevented him from entering UK

Donald Trump has issued a pardon to US golf caddy Eric Larson after Labour's visa rules prevented him from entering the UK.

Larson, who caddies for PGA Tour star Harris English, was banned from working in Britain because of a 30-year-old conviction for dealing cocaine.

He served 11 years in prison and rebuilt his life in the world of golf, but was denied entry into the UK from 2025 after Labour changed the country's immigration law.

Following the Conservatives' rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, Labour expanded the project, meaning non-European visitors from countries such as the US and Canada would require an ETA to travel.

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Despite completing his prison sentence and being released over 20 years ago, his criminal record prevented him from obtaining the necessary authorisation.

This saw him miss the 2025 and 2026 Open Championships, as well as the Scottish Open in both of those years.

English finished second at The Open in 2025, making $1.8million (£1.3million), which would have seen Larson earn around 10 per cent of the winnings, a typical cut for a PGA Tour caddy.

The US President has now stepped in, according to the New York Post, and granted a full unconditional pardon to Larson.

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"I'm very fortunate. I'm grateful. I got a chance now," Larson told the publication.

Trump reportedly gave the news to Larson and English over a phone call upon signing the pardon.

English said: "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."

The pair previously met the US President while playing golf last December and explained the situation to him.

Larson said he wants the pardon to be recognised as a result of his record since his conviction, rather than his work with Trump.

He stated: "I want it to be based on my merits, not because I know him.

"I've done all the right things since day one, since my crime."

Larson will be able to caddy for English at the 2027 Open at St Andrews, scheduled for mid-July.

He can also work at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, for the Scottish Open, the week prior to The Open.

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